Abstract: The objective of the invention is a drive unit for a hoist, in particular for a hoist consisting of a motor 3, a gear 1, a brake 2, and a brake housing 8 serving as support, onto which the facing of the motor and/or the gear is flanged. The drive unit has a shaft 6, which simultaneously serves as a motor shaft and as a gear shaft, and the brake body 2 within the brake housing 8 is fastened to the shaft. Preferably, the motor 3 and/or the gear 1 are flanged, unsupported, to both sides of the brake housing 8. The construction according to the invention significantly shortens the total length of the drive unit. Furthermore, the installation and assembly costs in money, time, and materials are decreased.