The invention relates to a vehicle roof comprising a liftable covering element that can be displaced above a fixed roof section. A control mechanism for the covering element is respectively provided on both sides of the covering element. According to the invention, the control mechanism comprises a drive carriage, a rear release lever which is connected to the covering element in the region of the rear edge thereof in an articulated manner, a front release lever which is connected to the covering element in the region of the front edge thereof in an articulated manner, and a coupling lever which is rotatably connected to the front release lever, co-operates with the drive carriage, and can be displaced in a release position in relation to the drive carriage in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The displacement of the drive carriage in the direction of the rear of the vehicle causes firstly an outward pivoting of the rear release lever from a closing position of the covering element, and an outward pivoting of the front release lever when an abutment is reached between the drive carriage and the coupling lever.