The invention proposes an electric linear actuator with a take-off element (12) that is adjustably supported on a main housing (5) and is connected to and driven by an electric motor (14) via a spindle drive (8). This connection is realized in the form of a purely plug-type coupling (41) that is formed by a gear transmission (43). The gear transmission (43) comprises a first transmission gear (44) that forms part of the spindle drive (8) and a second transmission gear (45) that together with the electric motor (14) forms part of a motor module (3). When the motor module (3) is attached or removed, the teeth of the gear transmission (43) are disengaged or disengaged automatically.