A vacuum valve has a valve opening (2, 3) that is surrounded by a valve seat (6, 7), a valve plate (10, 11) that releases the valve opening (2, 3) in an open state and rests against the valve seat (6, 7) in a closed state, and a carrier unit (9) that supports the valve plate (10, 11) and moves between a first position, in which the valve opening (2, 3) is in the open state, and a second position. The valve plate (10, 11) moves between a retracted position and an extended position. In the second position of the carrier unit (9) and in the extended position of the valve plate (10, 11), the valve opening (2, 3) is in the closed state. In the retracted position, the valve plate (10, 11) is supported against the carrier unit (9).