An electromagnetic actuator includes an electromagnet having a yoke and an operating coil supported by the yoke and connectable to a controllable current supply for effecting a current flow through said operating coil. An armature is movable from a first position remote from the pole face of the electromagnet to a second, pole face-engaging position in response to a first electromagnetic force generated by a current flow through the operating coil. A resetting spring is coupled to the armature and opposes the first electromagnetic force. Further, a circuit is provided which is formed of a braking coil supported by the yoke and a switching element having open and closed states. The circuit is closed in the closed state of the switching element and is in the open state of the switching element. Also, a switch control arrangement is provided which is responsive at least indirectly to a distance of the armature from the pole face during motion of the armature toward the pole face for placing the switching element into its closed state when the armature is at a given distance from the pole face, whereby the circuit is closed for producing a second electromagnetic force opposing the first electromagnetic force.