An apparatus is disclosed for comminuting a polycrystalline silicon rod, which apparatus includes a base, at least one movable comminuting tool and optionally at least one immovable anvil. A silicon rod to be comminuted lies on a longitudinal axis oriented parallel or virtually parallel to the surface of the base and can be adjusted between the comminuting tool and anvil. Also disclosed is a method for comminuting a polycrystalline silicon rod.