The invention relates to a tap changer for voltage regulation, comprising semiconductor switch units (S1.1, . . . , S1.6; S2.1, . . . , S2.6) on a variable transformer having a regulating winding, wherein two parallel load branches (1, 2) are provided, in each of which several series-connected semiconductor switch units are arranged. Parts of the regulating winding (W1, W2, W3) and bridges (B1, B2) are provided alternately and run parallel between the two load branches, alternating such that by corresponding connection of the semiconductor switch units in both load branches, the parts of the regulating wiring can be operated arbitrarily in a subtractive and/or additive manner.