Crash element shaped as a hollow profile

The crash element (1), especially for a motor vehicle, is in the form of a hollow profile which has at least one encompassing section (3) in which the wall (4) has a projecting step-like offset (5). The offset is constructed as a design break point which breaks at a predetermined crash force. The hollow profile parts (2) created as a result of a crash slide into each other in telescopic fashion, absorbing energy. A cross section (d) of the hollow profile widens on one side of the offset and/or on the other side tapers.