The invention relates to a device (1) for dividing off packaging units (2) in a packaging machine for producing product groups (3) or packages (3), wherein containers from a broad container stream are converted by means of street division into a plurality of single-track container streams and, by using at least one dividing and/or compacting unit (4) for dividing off and compacting a predetermined numbers of containers, compacted or shaped container groups or partial packages are formed and then respectively combined to form a subsequent package (3), wherein dividing segments (5) from underneath a transport plane (6) engage temporarily in the latter and are then guided back under the transport plane (6). According to the invention the dividing segments (5) are each held on a movement element (7), which movement elements (7) circulate on a linear transporter (8), wherein the dividing segment (5) comprises an engaging element (15) and a guide element (9), which guide element (9) is connected to the latter and is guided along on a control curve (10).