A device for applying a viscous material to workpieces includes a housing, an application channel extending in the housing up to an outlet opening, and a needle valve for opening and closing the application channel at a valve seat. An actuating element is mounted in the housing for rotation about a rotational axis extending parallel to a longitudinal direction in which the valve needle of the needle valve is movable relative to the housing. The actuating element has, in the radial lateral surface thereof, a guide groove extending circumferentially all around and curved in the axial direction in which at least one pin extending in the radial direction engages. The valve needle is connected to the actuating element or the at least one pin so that rotation of the actuating element about the rotational axis causes movement of the valve needle relative to the housing in the longitudinal direction.