The invention relates to a device for igniting a fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The device includes an electrode which is connected to a voltage source and extends into a precombustion chamber, and the precombustion chamber is separated at least in some regions from the combustion chamber by a wall. A control device or a regulating device is provided which controls the voltage supply to the electrode such that a corona discharge is carried out in the precombustion chamber. The wall has at least one opening for exchanging fluids between the combustion chamber and precombustion chamber, and a fluid inlet opens into the precombustion chamber.