A discharge lamp may include a substantially ellipsoidal discharge vessel that surrounds an anode and a cathode that are respectively fixed by current-carrying electrode holders, the latter being guided through bulb shafts arranged diametrically on the discharge vessel, there being provided around the electrode holders at the transition from the discharge vessel to the bulb shafts constrictions that form a connecting channel between the discharge space, surrounded by the discharge vessel, and in each case the bulb shaft spaces surrounded by the bulb shafts, wherein at least one of the discharge vessel, the constrictions and the anode coating is designed in such a way as to reduce or avoid blackening of the discharge vessel in the light-emitting region.