The invention relates to a device and a method for hot-dip coating a metal strip with a metal covering, wherein the metal strip is directed continuously through a melt bath, wherein the thickness of the metal covering present on the metal strip when it leaves the melt bath is adjusted by means of a scraping device, and wherein slag which is present on the melt bath is driven away from the metal strip leaving the melt bath by means of a gas flow. To prevent slag from coming into contact with the metal strip leaving the melt bath, the invention drives away the slag from the metal strip by means of at least one nozzle which is arranged in close proximity to the metal strip, that a gas flow which extends over the width of the metal strip is directed onto the surface of the melt bath.