Awning lifting device

A tarpaulin lifting device for a vehicle roof (4) that can be spanned with a tarpaulin (P), in particular of a utility vehicle or trailer, has a roof bow (6) which has an upper side (10) to which the tarpaulin (P) can be applied and on which a lifting element (12) is provided, by means of which the applied tarpaulin (P) can be lifted. It is provided that the lifting element (12) has a lifting surface (14) which can be spaced apart from the roof bow (6) by means of a lifting device (16) held completely on the roof bow (6).