Abstract: Can-like containers are frequently closed or sealed with a diaphragm, the wall of which is provided with severance points, or the part of which that is U-shaped in cross section (3) covering the cut edge (15) of the can wall (17) is already located at least partially at a distance (a) from the nearly dish-shaped closure part (14). The diaphragm (14) according to the present invention has severance points that are formed by narrow ligaments (4) interrupted by cut-outs (5), said ligaments being arranged alternatingly along a circumferential line in the rim (2) of the diaphragm. A diaphragm for the closing of can-like containers is e.g. fabricated in that the foil is deep-drawn, and in the end phase of the closing movement cut-outs (5) are formed in its rim (2) by shearing edges (8 and 11). At least one shearing edge (8) is interrupted by notches (9), in the area of which ligaments (4) remain.