In order to provide an illumination device comprising at least one light source (1) and at least one diffusing element (2), which has a simple design and is economical to manufacture, the invention provides that the diffusing element (2) is composed of at least one diffusing plastic element (2) in which transparent diffusing bodies (3) are embedded in a transparent plastic mass (2), and the diffusing element (2) extends over at least one or more light sources (1) and is designed as an external housing part (2) of the illumination device.