The invention relates to a device for influencing reactive power flows in multi-phase alternating current systems comprising a plurality of thyristor-controlled or thyristor-switched coil branches, each of which comprises a first partial coil and a second partial coil, and a first partial coil and a second partial coil respectively form a structurally independent coil subassembly. The essential feature is that the inductance factor of the first partial coil is specifically dimensioned so as to be at least 10% greater than the inductance factor of the second partial coil and the second partial coil in a coil subassembly is disposed structurally above the first partial coil or the second partial coil is disposed structurally in a core region of the first partial coil. The disclosed device for influencing reactive power flows has a design that is as compact as possible, meets increased stability requirements especially for dynamic loads, and allows production costs and operating expenses to be reduced or kept to a minimum.