A switching amplifier is described which is intended in particular for sample-and-hold circuits. The switching amplifier has an output stage (T.sub.1, T.sub.2) of the npn-npn-type comprising two output transistors (T.sub.1, T.sub.2) in series. The output (4) is connected to the emitter of a first one (T.sub.1) of the two output transistors (T.sub.1, T.sub.2) and to the collector of the second output transistor (T.sub.2), a diode (T.sub.3) being arranged between the output (4) and this collector. The output (4) can be switched off by switching the voltage on the base of the first transistor (T.sub.1) and the voltage on the point between the diode (T.sub.3) and the collector of the second transistor (T.sub.2) relative to the output voltage, a third transistor (T.sub.4) ensuring that in this situation the collector current of the second transistor (T.sub.2) can be drained when said diode (T.sub.3) is turned off, so that initially said second transistor (T.sub.2) can remain conductive.