A DC voltage converter is provided that cyclically converts an input-side supply voltage into an output voltage, and includes an inductive storage element connected between a supply voltage terminal and, in a manner such that it is coupled via a first switch, a reference potential terminal. The capacitively buffered terminal for the output voltage is connected, via a second switch, between the inductive storage element and the first switch. Provision is furthermore made of a detector circuit, which distinguishes between a first and a second operating mode of the DC voltage converter and has a detector voltage tapped off between the inductive storage element and the first switch applied thereto. The detector circuit provides an output signal that is used to distinguish between the first and second operating modes of the DC voltage converter.