The present subject matter relates to a device for coupling two vertical components, comprising a girder made of wood, in particular glued laminated timber, and a connector for each end face of the girder for connecting the end faces to one of the vertical components each. Each connector has two fittings, one of which is mounted via one side on the respective end face of the girder and the other of which can be mounted via one side on the associated vertical component and which fittings can be brought via their other sides into abutment against one another. Further, each connector has two tensioning jaws, which grasp the fittings at diametrical ends and can be tensioned against one another by means of at least one tensioning element running approximately parallel to said other sides. The girder has a bottom chord made of steel, which bottom chord is anchored at each end face of the girder to the fitting mounted thereon. At least one tensioning member is provided for tensioning the bottom chord.