A gripper is for holding and depositing a stack of sheet material at a depositing location, and has at least one first gripping element, which comprises or forms a first contact surface for contact with the stack, and at least one second gripping element, which includes a second contact surface for contact with the stack. The first and second contact surfaces are designed for contact with the stack on both sides. The gripping elements are guided adjustably with respect to one another so that the contact surfaces can be moved with respect to one another in the direction of the surface normals that are respectively associated with the contact surfaces to hold the stack between the contact surfaces. The first gripping element is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis so it can pivot between a gripping position, and a release position.