Apparatus for applying fluids such as adhesive, in particular hot-melt glue, onto a substrate that is movable relative to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a basic body (12) and an applicator valve (22) for selective interruption or release of the stream of fluid. The basic body (12) is connectable to a fluid source and includes a slit-shaped nozzle opening (54) that communicates with a distribution channel (14), and a piston (16) that is movably situated in the distribution channel (14), by means of which the length of the distribution channel (14) which may be supplied with fluid is variable. The nozzle opening (54) communicates with the distribution channel (14) by means of a plurality of output channels (18) spaced at a distance from each other.