A device for the production of hydrogen-containing gas for a fuel cell system, in particular in a motor vehicle, is disclosed. Suitable feed materials are water and at least one hydrocarbon-containing starting material, in particular a hydrocarbon derivative, such as methanol or ethanol. The device comprises an evaporator to evaporate the feed material; a superheater to superheat the feed material vapor; a high temperature reformer in which steam reforming of the superheated feed material is carried out; a burner which provides the thermal energy required for the steam reforming by burning a gas stream that contains fuel and oxygen; a water gas shift stage to reduce the carbon monoxide content of the reformate stream produced in the steam reforming; and a cooler to reduce the temperature of the reformate stream between the point where the reformate stream is discharged out of the high temperature reformer and the point where the reformate stream enters into the water gas shift stage.