Abstract: The invention relates to a process and device for joining workpiece elements by means of an energy beam, especially a laser beam. The device comprises a wire feeding device for feeding a filler wire. In order to create optimum guidance of the wire relative to the laser beam and to the workpiece surface, the wire feeding device is mounted in a movable manner in the direction of the axis of the energy beam, in such a way that the wire tip melting in the energy beam is guided in a non-positive manner along the workpiece surface.