A device for the catalytic generation of hydrogen from hydrocarbons includes a catalytic converter having feed and distribution channels for starting materials and discharge and collection manifolds for products. The feed and distribution channels and the discharge and collection manifolds are formed from a plurality of identically structured channels. Inlet channels for supplying and distributing starting materials and outlet channels for collecting and discharging products are defined by, in each case, inversely arranged closed and open channel ends. The inlet and outlet channels extend substantially across the entire catalytic converter and are provided in an alternately intermeshing arrangement.