Abstract: The invention relates to a throat closing device for shaft furnaces, especially blast furnaces having a material feeding hopper (1), to which a temporarily rotating rotary hopper (2) which is sealed with regard to the stationary parts (3) is connected. The inventive throat closing device is produced such that it has a less complex construction and is easier to install, and can be easily serviced due to the provision of a sealing unit (5) comprised of an adjusting flange (7) which is arranged above the rotary hopper (2), is complementary to the hopper flange (6) thereof, can be lifted and lowered, and which comprises seals (8, 9) located on the flange underside. Said sealing unit is configured in a spanning wall (12) which comprises a compensating element (13) and which connects the adjusting flange (7) to the stationary part (3) of the rotary hopper (2).