An apparatus for opening a car door includes an unlocking linkage and a locking linkage. The unlocking linkage for releasing the door lock is coupled directly to a crank arm of a lever handle movable about a pivot. The locking linkage for locking the door lock is connected by means of a piston-cylinder assembly to the crank arm. The door lock is locked in a first position of the lever handle, released in a second position of the lever handle, and the released door is opened when the lever handle is moved to a third position.