The invention relates to a linear motor and in particular a primary part of the linear motor for the movement of a secondary part, with a plurality of coils for inducing a magnetic field transmitting force along an axis between the primary part and the secondary part and with teeth, which are made from a magnetizable material, are arranged between adjacent coils and have a base section remote from the axis and an end section facing the axis, the teeth on the end section being wider than on the base section. In order to provide a primary part or a linear motor which also allow for high force densities given a compact design, the coils also extend in the interspace between the end sections of adjacent teeth so as to increase the magnetic flux density.