A rotor for an electric motor according to the invention comprises a substantially cylindrical core, conductive rods and two short-circuit rings. The cylindrical core is formed from a core material and provided with a plurality of longitudinal grooves which extend substantially in the direction of the cylinder axis. The conductive rods are formed from an electrically conductive material and are provided in the longitudinal grooves of the cylindrical core. The two short-circuit rings conductively connect the axial ends of the conductive rods to one another. A diffusion layer extends between the conductive rods and the cylindrical core. The diffusion layer comprises a diffusion material.