A circuit for switching a PIN diode has a PIN diode and an inductor (in particular a coil) as well as a direct voltage source and a group of switches, wherein in a first switch setting of the group of switches the PIN diode can be fed with current from the direct voltage source in its admission direction; and in a further switch setting the PIN diode and the inductor are separated from the direct voltage source and are arranged in a closed current loop such that the inductor can generate a discharge current upon transitioning to the further switch setting, which discharge current is directed to the PIN diode opposite to the current generated by the direct voltage source (DC).