Abstract: A vane-cell pump, has a rotor that is arranged in a lifting ring that forms at least one suction region and one pressure region. Radial slots extend over the entire width and are arranged on the circumferential surface of the rotor. Vanes are arranged in the slots in a radially movable manner, with stationary lateral limiting surfaces (lateral surfaces) that adjoin the rotor and the lateral edges of the vanes in a sealing manner. At least one of the lateral surfaces comprises a groove that extends within the range of motion of lower vane chambers and the other lateral surface comprises at least one lower vane pocket that is assigned to the suction region and connected to the pressure region within the range of motion of the lower vane chambers.