In at least one embodiment of the conversion element (1) the latter comprises a light-permeable matrix material (2) into which heat-conducting particles (4) and at least one conversion means (3) are embedded, said conversion means (3) being designed to at least partially convert light of a certain wavelength to light of a different wavelength. The conversion means (3) and/or the heat-conducting particles (4) form heat-conducting paths P in the conversion element (1). Heat can be efficiently carried off from the conversion element (1) via the heat-conducting paths P formed by the heat-conducting particles (4) and the conversion means (3), thereby increasing the conversion efficiency of the conversion element.