A semiconductor laser includes a main body, a strip having a narrower width provided on the main body, and an active zone that generates light radiation, wherein surfaces of the main body laterally with respect to the strip and side surfaces of the strip are covered with an electrically insulating protective layer, an electrically conductive layer as a contact is provided on a top side of the strip, a cavity is provided between a side surface of the strip and the protective layer at least in a delimited section.