A variable valve gear for internal combustion engines, having at least one camshaft and pivot lever disposed in the cylinder head, which lever contacts a valve that closes by means of spring force. An intermediate element of a transfer element is mounted in a supporting and displaceable manner, twice on the supporting body and on the pivot lever. The intermediate element engages a supporting surface disposed on the supporting body, first by way of a supporting cam segment disposed on the intermediate element, and second with the controlling cam segment of the supporting body, and third with the pivot lever, by way of an outer contour surface disposed on the intermediate element. The intermediate element indirectly contacts the cam of the camshaft, by way of a roller disposed on an oscillating crank, which is connected with the intermediate element in articulated manner.