The invention relates to a surge protection device for a semiconductor switch with an improved response behavior. The protection device comprises a dynamic component together with a static component and a capability to analyze switch operations on the semiconductor switch. The dynamic component of the surge protection device activates in the event of a low surge, but is time-limited, however, with respect to the response behavior. Furthermore, the response of the dynamic component of the surge protection device can also be limited such that a response occurs only after switch operations on the semiconductor switch.