The invention relates to a valve cartridge (1′) for a solenoid valve having a capsule (4′), having a valve insert (32) which is pushed into the capsule (4′) and having a plunger (33) which is guided in a movable fashion in an inner passage (32.1) of the valve insert (32), wherein at least one axially running volume-compensating groove (35) is arranged between the inner passage (32.1) of the valve insert (32) and a plunger casing (33.1). According to the invention, the plunger (33) is designed such that the plunger casing (33.1) has a simple geometric shape and the valve insert (32) is designed such that the at least one axially running volume-compensating groove (35) is formed into the valve insert (12, 22, 32) and is defined by the shape of the inner passage (32.1) of the valve insert (32).