A handheld work apparatus has a drive motor which drives a work tool rotationally via a belt drive. The belt drive has a first, driving pulley and a second, driven pulley. The second pulley is connected fixedly to the work tool so as to rotate therewith. The rotational speed of the second pulley is lower during operation than that of the first pulley. A brake unit acts on the belt drive. A first drive belt of a first stage and a second drive belt of a second stage act between the pulleys to transfer the drive torque. The belts each bring about a rotational speed reduction. The belt drive includes a redirection roll which bears against the belt, via which the highest drive torque is transmitted during operation. As a result, a braking operation of the work tool is enabled independently of the rotational speed of the tool.