diff --git a/cdist/conf/type/__rsync/gencode-local b/cdist/conf/type/__rsync/gencode-local
index f11f6c90..8d268d7e 100644
--- a/cdist/conf/type/__rsync/gencode-local
+++ b/cdist/conf/type/__rsync/gencode-local
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ fi
 set --
 if [ -f "$__object/parameter/rsync-opts" ]; then
     while read opts; do
-        set -- "$@" "$opts"
+        set -- "$@" "--$opts"
     done < $__object/parameter/rsync-opts
 fi
 
diff --git a/cdist/conf/type/__rsync/man.text b/cdist/conf/type/__rsync/man.text
index 744b4bc2..1b787dfa 100644
--- a/cdist/conf/type/__rsync/man.text
+++ b/cdist/conf/type/__rsync/man.text
@@ -47,6 +47,13 @@ destination::
 remote-user::
     Use this user instead of the default "root" for rsync operations.
 
+rsync-opts::
+    Use this option to give rsync options with.
+    See rsync(1) for available options.
+    Only "--" options are supported.
+    Write the options without the beginning "--"
+    Can be specified multiple times.
+
 MESSAGES
 --------
 NONE
@@ -73,6 +80,11 @@ __rsync otherstuff \
     --destination /usr/local/bin \
     --source "$__type/files/package2"
 
+# Use rsync option --exclude
+__rsync /tmp/testdir \
+    --source /etc \
+    --rsync-opts exclude=sshd_conf
+
 
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