A radiation-emitting semiconductor chip includes: a carrier and a semiconductor body with a semiconductor layer sequence including an active region that generates radiation, a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer; wherein the active region is arranged between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer; the first semiconductor layer is arranged on a side of the active region which faces away from the carrier; the semiconductor body comprises at least one recess which extends through the active region; the first semiconductor layer is electrically conductively connected to a first connection layer extending in the recess from the first semiconductor layer in a direction of the carrier; and the first connection layer is electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer via a protective diode.