The invention relates to a wiper device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a wiper arm (12a, 12b) and a control unit (18a, 18b) for controlling the position (α) of a wiper blade (10a, 10b) in relation to the wiper arm (12a, 12b), in accordance with at least one operating variable (β), in particular of an operating position of the wiper arm (12a, 12b). According to the invention, the wiper arm (12a, 12b) has a freedom of movement (η), achieved without articulation, which is capable of producing a contact force.