The invention relates to an actuator, preferably having piezoelectric material, in the form of a single-layer or multi-layer flat plate, wherein at least one layer has two electrodes spaced from each other by means of a separating area and arranged opposite each other both on the upper face of the at least one layer and on the lower face of the at least one layer, and the electrodes of the upper face are arranged at an offset from the electrodes of the lower face. The invention further relates to a motor, comprising the actuator according to the invention and a movable element to be driven by means of the actuator.