A drive circuit includes a first output node for connection to the control electrode of the semiconductor switch, a voltage supply circuit, and a first switching stage connected to the voltage supply and a second switching stage connected to the voltage supply. A first resistor network is connected between the first switching stage and the first output node. A second resistor network is connected between the second switching stage and the first output node. A control logic is designed to generate control signals for the guiding of the first switching stage and the second switching stage in such a way that in a first operating mode of the semiconductor switch the semiconductor switch is driven only via the first resistor network, and in a second operating mode of the semiconductor switch the semiconductor switch is driven only via the second resistor network or both resistor networks.