The embodiments relate to a piezoelectric component including at least one fully active piezoelectric element comprising electrode layers and piezoelectric layers arranged therebetween. The electrode layers are conveyed to a lateral edge of the piezoelectric element and contacted there. The external electrode is attached in a structured fashion for electrical contacting and/or a structured external electrode is made available: The external electrode essentially includes two components, namely the contacting field and the contacting path. In the event of several piezoelectric elements (piezoelectric actuator in multilayer structure) stacked one above the other, the contacting path functions as a collector electrode, which connects the contacting fields of the piezoelectric elements to one another. The insulation path exists for the electrical insulation of the contacting path from electrode layers which are not to be contacted. A reliable contacting of the electrode layers is possible with the structure according to the invention. A fully active, piezoceramic multilayer actuator with the described contacting is used in automotive engineering for activating fuel injection valves.