A battery unit for a traction battery of a motor vehicle is provided. The battery unit includes at least two battery cells arranged adjacent to one another, which each include at least one venting unit for venting the cell housing thereof. The venting units are arranged on sides of the battery cells that are facing each other, and at least two shield units are arranged between the sides of the battery cells that face each other and at a distance from one another. Each shield unit includes a shield wall having at least one opening and at least one closure element. The opening of each shield wall is arranged aligned with the venting unit of the battery cell arranged closest to this shield wall in each case. The closure element, in a closing position, in which the closure element closes the opening, is arranged fully against the shield wall and in an open position, in which the closure element at least partially reveals the opening, is at least partially separated from the shield wall. The closure element can be transferred from the closing position into the open position by the action thereon of a force directed in the direction of the other shield unit.