A semiconductor luminaire includes a carrier; an optoelectronic semiconductor chip mounted on the carrier, the semiconductor chip emitting ultraviolet or visible radiation; a luminaire housing not covering the semiconductor chip in a direction of main emittance; an optical cover placed downstream of the semiconductor chip in a direction of mails emittance: and an index matching layer located between the semiconductor chip mid the optical cover, wherein the optical cover provides a radiation exit surface of the luminaire, and wherein radiation running along the direction of main emittance from the semiconductor chip to the radiation exit surface solely propagates in solid or liquid materials.