A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD-) lamp (1) comprising a discharge volume (2) which is delimited by a first and a second wall (4, 5) is disclosed, wherein both walls (4, 5) are exposed to different electrical potentials by means of a power supply (11) for exciting a gas discharge within the discharge volume (2). By providing at least one electrically conductive ignition aid or igniter which extends within the discharge volume (2) and which electrically contacts the first and the second wall (4, 5) with each other, a significant reduction of the initial ignition voltage of the lamp (1) can be obtained, especially after long pauses of operation of the lamp (1).