A torsional vibration damper or a torsionally flexible coupling comprises an inner part and an outer part that is arranged in ring shape around this inner part, which are joined to one another in a torsionally flexible manner by spring elements, wherein the spring elements subdivide a space formed between the inner part and the outer part into a plurality of successive chambers in the circumferential direction of the damper or the coupling, with these chambers being filled with a viscous medium and connected to one another. There are at least two groups of spring elements which have deflection lines that differ in the circumferential direction. In case of a relative rotation between the inner part and the outer part, owing to differences in deflection lines, there is a strong spatial displacement of the damping medium, so that such a damper or coupling has a high damping potential.