A device for variable activation of valves for internal combustion engines, which is arranged in a cylinder head having a camshaft mounted in a fixed location with valves that close by means of spring force through a stroke transfer arrangement. This device includes a movable element mounted with a fixed pivot, and has a support cam and a control cam. An intermediate member is displaceably mounted and supported on the element, and is in engagement with a cam lever of the camshaft, as well as the stroke transfer arrangement. The intermediate member supports itself on the support cam and control cam with a non-positive lock, sliding during the stroke movement. Whereby the control cam determines the stroke movement to be transferred to the stroke transfer arrangement by the intermediate member, as a function of the pivot position of the element that can change its position.