Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for transferring a functional layer, in particular a catalyst-coated membrane (2) and/or a gas diffusion layer for a membrane electrode assembly, onto a first material web, wherein: precuts (20) of a functional layer are transferred onto a moving counter surface with a first spacing (x1); the precuts (20) are supplied by means of a second material web (3) with a second spacing; the first spacing (x1) is greater than the second spacing (x2); the second material web (5), at least in a handover portion for carrying over a precut (20) moves synchronously with a conveying speed of the counter surface and is braked relative to the conveying speed to change the spacing; and the dispensing edge (6) in the first transport direction (1) relative to the second material web (5) is adjusted in order to create a braking and acceleration section for the precuts (20) moving discontinuously with the second material web (5).