A shaft element for an endoscopic instrument includes a first, proximal shaft segment and a second, distal shaft segment, such that the second shaft segment is connected with the first shaft segment by three connecting elements, such that the connecting elements each include a first two-axis joint, such that the first joints form a triangle and such that the first connecting element is connected with the first shaft segment in such a way that it cannot slide with respect to the latter in a longitudinal direction, and a second and third connecting elements can each be slid with respect to the first shaft segment in a longitudinal direction independently of one another. The invention also relates to an endoscopic instrument, in particular an endoscope with such a shaft segment.
