an xy coordinate measuring stage includes a drive unit for a coordinate axis . the drive unit has a friction rod and a motor , the motor including a motor shaft in contact with a side of the friction rod . an applied pressure roller contacts an opposite side of the friction rod . at least one applied pressure spring urges the applied pressure roller , the friction rod , and the motor shaft against one another with an applied pressure force so that the motor shaft frictionally engages the friction rod , converting a rotational motion of the motor into a linear motion of the friction rod . a compensation device associated with the motor shaft generates a compensation force onto the motor shaft oppositely to the applied pressure force so as to at least partially compensate for the applied pressure force .