A reversing linear drive which comprises a field coil and a magnetic armature that is excited by the magnetic field of the field coil to perform a linear, axially oscillating movement. In order to detect the armature position, the drive is provided with a stripe pattern element with an alternating arrangement of transparent and opaque stripes or of light-reflecting stripes and non-light-reflecting stripes which extends at least across the entire axial armature stroke, and with a light barrier with elements that emit and receive light in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.