An illumination apparatus produces a linear intensity distribution. The illumination apparatus contains laser light sources arranged in a number N of rows with in each case a number M of laser light sources which are arranged one next to the other, and emit laser light in a first propagation direction. A number of beam-deflection devices are arranged behind the laser light sources in the first propagation direction and deflect the laser light emitted by the laser light sources into a second propagation direction to a working plane. A beam-merging device is arranged behind the beam-deflection devices in the second propagation direction such that it merges the individual laser beam bundles of the laser light sources into the linear intensity distribution, with adjacent rows being arranged in a first direction perpendicular to first and second emission directions and also offset with respect to one another in the first propagation direction.