The invention relates to a closing device for a door or flap, in particular for a door or flap of a motor vehicle, comprising a locking mechanism that consists of a rotary latch (1) and at least one pawl (2) for locking the rotary latch (1) and an impact protection element, said impact protection element being moved out of its protecting position when the door or flap is closed at a speed below a threshold value and the impact protection element not being moved out of is protecting position or only being moved out with a certain delay when the door or flap is closed at a speed above a threshold value. In this manner, any damage caused by an impact can be avoided in a technically simple manner.