In a device or method to develop charge images generated on a charge image carrier, a rotating applicator moves developer fluid having charged toner particles charged to a predetermined charge and carrier fluid past the charge image carrier. The developer fluid is moved into a developer gap between the applicator and a counter-electrode where it is exposed to an electrical field between the counter-electrode and the applicator. The toner particles of the predetermined charge are moved in a direction of the applicator depending on their charge, uncharged toner particles remaining unaffected and toner particles of opposite charge being repelled. Via a separation electrode protruding into the developer gap, the developer fluid in the developer gap is divided at an exit of the developer gap into a first partial flow adjacent to the application electrode and into a second partial flow adjacent to the counter-electrode where it is discharged.