In a device for switching an exhaust gas turbocharger and an exhaust gas turbocharger having such a device, the device is used for exhaust gas turbochargers having a variable turbine geometry as well as for other turbochargers (e.g., waste-gate turbochargers) having an electronically regulated final controlling element. The exhaust gas turbocharger is switched by a switching signal P from a regulated operation A with a boost pressure regulator to an unregulated operation B with a boost pressure control, wherein a delay device is provided for generating the switching signal P with a time delay.