A spark plug having a spark plug body, a center electrode, and a rod-shaped ground electrode that is attached to a front end of the spark plug body and has an electrode end section with an end surface and two side surfaces. The electrode end section is provided with a step onto which is attached a precious metal component with an ignition surface that, together with the center electrode, forms a spark air gap. The step formed in the electrode end section and the precious metal component attached thereto extend across the entire width (B) of the electrode end section so that the precious metal component is flush with the electrode end section on the two sides surfaces, as well as the end surface.