A radiation-emitting semiconductor chip (1) is provided, which comprises a carrier (5), a semiconductor body (2) with a semiconductor layer sequence, a first contact (35) and a second contact (36). The semiconductor layer sequence comprises an active region (20) provided for generating radiation, which is arranged between a first semiconductor layer (21) and a second semiconductor layer (22). The carrier (5) comprises a major surface (51) facing the semiconductor body (2). The first semiconductor layer (21) is arranged on the side of the active region (20) facing the major surface (51) of the carrier (5) and is electrically contactable by means of the first contact (35). The second semiconductor layer (22) is electrically contactable by means of the second contact (36). A protection diode (4) is formed in a current path extending between the first contact (35) and the second contact (36) through the carrier (5).