A reciprocating piston compressor for a gaseous medium is provided having a reduced structural height. The compressor is especially for a level control system in a motor vehicle. The maximum pivot angle of the piston ring longitudinal axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder running path is smaller during the upward movement of the piston than for the downward movement of the piston. The longitudinal axis of the cylinder running path is offset relative to the first spatial axis.