Abstract: A metallic flat gasket is disclosed. The gasket includes at least two superimposed gasket layers which are connected to each other within at least one connecting area. A through opening is provided in the connecting area of each of the two gasket layers, with at least one projection in each case extending from the margin of the through opening into its interior. The projection is connected to the respective gasket layer, with the connection between the two gasket layers in the connecting area achieved by the at least one projection of the first gasket layer and the at least one projection of the second gasket layer. The projection of the first gasket layer is designed so as not to overlap with the at least one projection of the second gasket layer in a projection into the plane of the second gasket layer.