Abstract: The magnetic chuck for chucking or raising workpieces has differently poled (S and N) magnetic pole pieces (1), between which is located a pole pitch (2) of non-ferromagnetic material. In order to make the magnetic chuck more universally usable for workpieces made from non-magnetizable or weakly magnetizable material, it is additionally constructed as a vacuum chuck. This is brought about by correspondingly differently designed bores or slots, which are preferably filled with sintered metal and by means of which the vacuum is applied through corresponding vacuum lines. Due to the fact that the magnetic force and/or the force applied by the vacuum is available as a retaining or holding force, a universal use of the same tool is possible and simultaneously a considerable holding force can be applied.