An electromagnetic active brake which is de-energized in the brake standby state, including—a brake body (1), —a brake device with at least two opposing brake shoes (9, 12) which are spaced from a component to be braked in the de-energized state of the active brake, —and an electromagnet (5) which is arranged in the brake body (1) and the armature (6) of which interacts with a brake lever (2). The armature (6) of the electromagnet (5) is rigidly connected to a spring compressor (3) which is guided in the brake body (1) and which is moved by the armature (6) in the axial direction of the armature (6) when the electromagnet (5) is energized and in this manner clamps a spring (16) against an abutment (20) that interacts with the brake lever (2) and is arranged in an axially adjustable manner in the direction of the path of the spring compressor (3). The active brake according to the invention is highly energy-saving and thus economical.