The application describes a clamping device for a steering column, in which a first clamping plate element is rotatable between a released position and a clamped position in relation to a second clamping plate element, wherein a rolling body which establishes contact is provided between the clamping plate elements. The second clamping plate element comprises a clamping ramp with a contour for the rolling body so that when the clamping plate elements are rotated in relation to each other, the space between the clamping plate elements changes. One clamping plate element comprises a surface which forms a plane on which the rolling body rolls from the released position to the clamped position.