A differential amplifier has two amplifier paths. The second amplifier path is operated in the opposite direction relative to the first amplifier path. The outputs of the two amplifier paths form a differential output and are in each case connected to one another via a respective load resistor at a node. The operating point of the two amplifier paths is set by the voltage that is present at the node. The differential load is divided into two individual resistors and the voltage present between the individual resistors serves for setting the operating point of the amplifier paths. The bandwidth and the gain can be influenced by varying the resistances of the load resistors.