The invention relates to a device for carrying out bending tests on panel-shaped or beam-shaped samples (1), in which two rotary drives are arranged at a distance from one another and a flange (3) is fastened to each of the drive shafts of the rotary drives, said drive shafts being oriented parallel to one another. At least two bar-shaped bending elements (2) oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shafts and arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation and at a distance from one another are provided on each of the flanges (3). A panel-shaped or beam-shaped sample (1) can be introduced between the two bar-shaped bending elements (2) on the two flanges (3). In the event of rotation of the rotary drives in opposite directions of rotation, bending forces are exerted on the sample (1) and each of the two rotary drives can be controlled individually and connected to an electronic open-loop or closed-loop control unit.