A motor vehicle steering column having an energy-absorbing device that includes a first element and a second element which engages the first element and moves with respect thereto during a vehicle impact to carry out mechanical deformation that absorbs energy. The first element is an elongated metal plate which extends in the longitudinal direction of the steering column and the second element has at least one guide element which is guided along the first element during a relative movement of the first and second elements and in so doing deforms the first element. The guide element is guided along an outer side of one of the longitudinal edges of the metal plate and engages therewith, which longitudinal edges extend in the longitudinal direction of the steering column.