The high-pressure discharge lamp comprises a lamp vessel (1) in which an anode (4) and a cathode (5) are disposed spaced apart by an electrode distance D of 1-2 mm, the anode (4) having a tip (9) with a blunt end surface S. The area of the end surface S in mm.sup.2 and the lamp current I in amperes satisfy a relationship according to which 0.09.ltoreq.S/I.ltoreq.0.16, with 3.5.ltoreq.I.ltoreq.8.0 amperes. The ionizable filling containing metal halide comprises an amount of mercury between 65-125 mg/cm.sup.3. The power range of the lamp is between 200 and 400 watts. The calculated power gap ratio, PGR=P/D, is over 120 W/mm. The lamp is suitable for comparatively high brightness applications and at the same time is comparatively stable and has a comparatively long life.