A circuit for actuating a plurality of light-emitting means which are connected in series, comprising a plurality of electronic switches, which can be actuated depending on a rectified system voltage. The plurality of electronic switches are arranged in parallel with at least some of the light-emitting means, wherein each of the plurality of electronic switches short-circuits on activation of at least one of the light-emitting means connected in series. At least one energy store is connected in parallel with a first group of light-emitting means during a charge phase by virtue of the electronic switches, and it is connected in parallel with a second group of light-emitting means during a discharge phase by virtue of the electronic switches.