A ratchet unit for motor vehicle flaps or motor vehicle doors, in particular motor vehicle rear doors, preferably motor vehicle rear sliding doors, which are equipped with an electromotive drive and a ratchet lever which can be acted on by the drive. The ratchet lever is set up to lock and open the motor vehicle flap. According to the invention, the ratchet lever continuously adopts its closed position and is only moved into its open position with the aid of the drive to open the motor vehicle flap. The ratchet lever in its closed position is deflected resiliently when the motor vehicle flap is closed.