The invention relates to an inking unit and to a method for the controlled transfer of a liquid, in particular printing ink, varnish, liquid toner, or adhesive. In order to create a gravure inking unit having printing quality that is as consistent as possible regardless of the different diameters of the forme cylinder, an inking unit is provided which comprises: a dispensing surface, which has recesses for dispensing the liquid in a metered manner; a nozzle head for filling up the recesses with the liquid; a drive, which causes a relative motion between the nozzle head and the dispensing surface; a liquid transfer station, which is arranged after the nozzle head in the direction of the relative motion and by means of which the liquid can be transferred at least partially to a receiving surface from the recesses.