An illumination device (11) for a motor vehicle includes a transparent light guide (13). At least a first decoupling element (33) is formed into the light guide (13). At least one reflector (35) is assigned to the first decoupling element (33) for reflection of light coupled-out by the first decoupling element (33) and aligned and formed in such a way that at least a portion of the light reflected by the reflector (35) irradiates the light guide (13). At least one second decoupling element (37) is formed in the light guide (13) for coupling-out of light from the light guide (13) and aligned and formed in such a way that light coupled-out by the second decoupling element (37) ultimately exits the light guide (13).