The invention relates to an adapter (1) having an integrated ballast and starting arrangement for annular fluorescent lamps (2) having a pin base (3) for connecting them to conventional incandescent lamp sockets. The adapter (1) has a cuboidal housing and has at each end a holder which partially encloses the pin base (3) of the fluorescent lamp (2) or the discharge vessel (12) of the fluorescent lamp (2). The first holder in this case also contains a socket for accommodating and making electrical contact with the pin base (3) and the other holder contains a sliding apparatus for locking the lamp (2).