An electrical frequency converter for coupling an electrical power supply grid with an electrical drive includes a first power converter connected to the power supply grid. The first power converter includes at least two connections in series. A second power converter is connected to the electrical drive and includes at least two connections in series. Each of the connections in series of the first and second power converters includes at least two modular switches. Each modular switch includes a first connection in series having a first controllable power semiconductor component and a first diode. The modular switch further includes a second connection in series having a second controllable power semiconductor component and a second diode. The modular switch further includes a capacitor. The first connection in series, the second connection in series and the capacitor are connected in parallel.