Abstract: A flat four-link rear axle with favorable dynamic properties is presented. The essential aspect lies in that the lower transverse control arm (1), the upper transverse control arm (2) and a compensating control arm (3) are arranged one behind the other (in the direction of travel), so that a spring (15) for supporting the wheel suspension on the body can be supported on the lower transverse control arm (1). The space created by shifting the transverse control arms makes it possible to use a barrel spring with progressive spring characteristic. The associated shock absorber (16) is arranged between the upper transverse control arm (2) and the compensating control arm (3), and its lower fixing eye (26) is mounted in the lower region of the axle carrier (4) so that the upper end of the shock absorber does not extend very far beyond the upper transverse control arm (2) compared with known solutions.