The invention relates to a washing column (T) for implementing a physical gas washing in which gas (1) is sent from the bottom to the top and washing agent (2) is sent from the top to the bottom through the washing column, whereby at least two washing sections (WS1, WS2) are arranged on top of one another in the washing column (T), the top section (WS2) of which is bounded at the bottom by a riser base (K), from which a portion of the washing agent that is charged in the upper washing section can be introduced as washing agent into the lower washing section (WS1), and another portion can be removed from the washing column (T) via a lateral drain (4). The upper washing section (WS2) is connected to the lower washing section (WS1) by an overflow (U), via which charged washing agent from the riser base (K) of the upper washing section (WS2) can be introduced into the lower washing section (WS1).