Abstract: A fuel assembly for a boiling water reactor has a plurality of fuel rods which are mounted in a plurality of spacers disposed at a spacing distance from each other in the axial direction of the fuel element. At least one of the fuel rods has a reduced length. Deflection elements are arranged at least in the upper region of the fuel element in order to improve the dry-out behavior of the assembly. The fuel assembly further includes measures that reduce a loss of pressure caused in the upper region by the deflecting elements so as to improve thermo-hydraulic stability and the shutdown behavior.