The invention relates to a high-pressure discharge lamp (1) provided with a discharge vessel (2) made of quartz glass which encloses a discharge space (3) having an ionizable filling and an electrode (4). The discharge vessel (2) is provided with a seal (5) which preferably encloses an Mo foil and forms a feedthrough for an electric conductor (6) to the electrode (4). At the location of the foil, the seal (5) has a gastight sealed cavity (10). According to the invention the cavity (10) is free of a capacitive coupling. This improves reliable ignition.