A disconnecting device for interrupting the direct current between a direct current source, in particular in the direct voltage range between 300 VDc and/or in the nominal current range between 4A and 250A, and a load. The device has at least one protection switch with a protection switch arrangement having a magnetic trigger, and has semiconductor electronics which are connected in parallel to the at least one protection switch and which block the current when the protection switch arrangement is in a current-conducting state and which conducts current at least temporarily when the protection switch arrangement is triggered. A current, in particular an electric arc current generated as a result of an electric arc, is switched, when the protection switch arrangement is triggered, from the at least one protection switch to the semiconductor electronics.