The mortar's development was started in 1934 by Rheinmetall-Borsig AG and it was adopted for service in 1936.

Its intended role was to engage pockets of resistance that were beyond a hand grenade's throwing range.

By 1941, the Granatwerfer 36 was seen as too complex for its intended role, the shell was too light and the range too short.

However, it remained in use with second-line and garrison units until the end of the Second World War in 1945.

The 50 mm continued to be popular for the remainder of the war, simply because it was easily transported by two men, and provided infantry with hitting power and a range capability greater than any other weapon readily available at the squad or section level.