Abstract: An applicator for direct or indirect application of a liquid or pasty coating medium onto a traveling fiber material web, notably of paper or cardboard, includes at least one metering system with a metering slot configured as an open-jet nozzle and formed between an approach-side lip and a departure-side lip. The applicator includes at least one guide surface bordering on the exit of the metering slot and intended for the coating medium issuing as an open jet out of the metering slot. The length of the guide surface is adjustable in at least one direction substantially parallel to the flow direction of the coating medium along the guide surface.