The thyristor is based on a semiconductor body with an anode-side base zone of the first conductivity type and one or more cathode-side base zones of the opposite, second conductivity type. Anode-side and cathode-side emitter zones are provided, and at least one region in the cathode-side base zone whose geometry gives it a reduced breakdown voltage as compared with the remaining regions in the cathode-side base zone and the edge of the semiconductor body. At the anode, below the region of reduced breakdown voltage, the thyristor has at least one recombination zone in which the free charge carriers have a reduced lifetime.