Abstract: In order to improve an attenuator for a laser beam of a high-power laser comprising a diffraction element which in an attenuating position extends in a section oriented transversely to a beam direction of the laser beam and is irradiated by the laser beam such that it will also withstand the laser beams of high-power lasers, it is proposed that the diffraction element extend beyond the laser beam in the direction transverse to the beam direction so only a partial region of the diffraction element is irradiated by the laser beam and that the diffraction element be continuously moveable in this direction by a drive such that the laser beam irradiates constantly changing partial regions of the diffraction element.