An apparatus for sorting items has a buffer device with a multiplicity of buffer storage locations, filled by a loading device, and an intermediate store with a multiplicity of intermediate storage locations. The intermediate store and the buffer device are arranged such that items stored at a buffer storage location can be transferred into an intermediate storage location. The intermediate storage locations are movable at a relative speed with respect to the buffer storage locations and are suitable for receiving more than one item, for presorting. The buffer device is arranged over the intermediate store such that an item located in a buffer storage location can fall into an intermediate storage location. The apparatus has a multiplicity of collecting containers, arranged under the intermediate store, and are at rest during the sorting operation and are filled during the sorting operation with items contained in the intermediate storage locations.