A disconnecting apparatus for direct current interruption between a direct current source and an electrical device, in particular between a photovoltaic generator and an inverter, has a current-conducting mechanical switching contact and semiconductor electronics connected in parallel with the switching contact. The semiconductor electronics are non-conducting when the switching contact is closed, wherein a control input of the semiconductor electronics is wired with the switching contact in such a way that, when the switching contact opens, an arc voltage generated as a result of an arc via the switching contact switches the semiconductor electronics to become conducting.