The invention relates to a device and a corresponding method for separating value documents, in particular bank notes, comprising a support section (1) and a conveyor belt (4) for removing an individual value document (3) from a pile (2) of value documents lying on the support section (1). The separating device has a positioning device (7) via which at least one section of the conveyor belt (4) can be moved to and fro relative to the support section (1) between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the conveyor belt (4) cannot touch the pile (2) lying on the support section (1). In the second position, the conveyor belt (4) can touch the lowest value document (3) of a pile (2) lying on the support section (1) and remove said document at least partially from the pile (2).