A frequency converter, includes: a DC link, wherein the DC link has a first connection pole at which a positive link potential is present during operation of the frequency converter, and a second connection pole at which a negative link potential is present during operation of the frequency converter; an inverter, wherein the inverter has a first connection pole at which a positive inverter potential is present during operation of the frequency converter, and a second connection pole at which a negative inverter potential is present during operation of the frequency converter; a resistive shunt which is looped in between the first connection pole of the DC link and the first connection pole of the inverter; a differential amplifier which is designed to generate a test voltage from a potential difference across the resistive shunt; and an evaluation unit which is designed to detect a ground fault based on the test voltage.