A telescopic column includes at least two linearly movable telescopic elements and a drive system. The drive system includes a drive unit having a first clutch element and an output unit having a shaft, a windable connecting element and a second clutch element connected to the shaft such that the clutch element and the shaft rotate together. The drive system includes a brake unit configured to transmit a retaining force onto the second clutch element and configured such that applying a drive moment to the first clutch element reduces the retaining force and allow the telescopic elements to move relative to each other. The brake unit is further configured such that applying an output-side torque to the second clutch element increases the retaining force acting on the second clutch element.