A power stage for driving an electric machine comprising at least two semiconductor switches designed as semiconductor chips, which are connected by at least one bridge conductor to form a half bridge. The semiconductor switches area contact with each one of their contact surfaces an electric conductor track. The conductor tracks and the at least one bridge conductor are connected to the electric connection terminals for the machine and/or the power supply. The at least one bridge conductor is designed as conductor element which is arranged in at least one plane which is partially disposed approximately parallel to the extension plane of at least one of the conductor tracks. The at least one bridge conductor area contacts the semiconductor switches at a second contact surface which is disposed opposite the first contact surface which is connected to one of the conductor tracks.