Abstract: For a variable valve operating mechanism for an internal-combustion engine having variable valve lifts, which can be achieved at constant opening angles, variable valve opening angles are achieved in the case of particularly small valve lifts. To do so, the rocker axis of a valve lever, which is essentially parallel to the axis of rotation of the camshaft, can be dynamically displaced relative to a camshaft along a path in a controlled manner such that, when the rocker axis is displaced, the valve lever is activated for the valve operation by way of a roller which is controlled only approximately from the starting area to the end area of a cam tip of a radial cam on the camshaft.