A lighting unit having a light-emitting diode matrix and a controllable power source, in particular for a headlight. The light-emitting diode matrix is equipped with at least one first supply connection, a number m of first switches which have a first connection that is connected to the first supply connection, at least one second supply connection, a number n of second switches which have a second connection that is connected to the second supply connection, a number of m*n inorganic light-emitting diodes, a first connection of which is connected to a second connection of one of the first switches and a second connection of which is connected to a first connection of one of the second switches.