PCT No. PCT/DE98/01061 Sec. 371 Date Dec. 18, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Dec. 18, 1998 PCT Filed Apr. 16, 1998 PCT Pub. No. WO98/49712 PCT Pub. Date Nov. 5, 1998A fluorescent lamp (1) having a tubular discharge vessel (2), filled with inert gas, and a fluorescent layer (6) has elongated electrodes (3; 4; 12; 14a-14d) arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular discharge vessel (2), at least one electrode (4; 12; 14a-14d) being arranged on the inner wall of the discharge vessel (2). The tubular discharge vessel (2) is sealed in a gas-tight fashion at one or at both ends with a stopper (8) and by means of solder (9), the at least one inner wall electrode (4) being guided to the outside in a gas-tight fashion through the solder (9). Alternatively or also in addition, at least one electrode (16) is arranged inside the wall of the discharge vessel (2). Up to a maximum of the entire inside diameter can be used as striking distance, depending on the positioning of the associated counterelectrode(s). High luminous densities are achieved because of the large and, at the same time, constant striking distance along the discharge tube. The lamp is provided for a pulsed, dielectrically impeded discharge.