A circuit arrangement is for operating at least one light-emitting diode LED in an electrical circuit at a service voltage greater than the forward voltage of the at least one light-emitting diode. The light-emitting diode is PWM-controlled. The circuit includes reactances that are connected in series at both connections of the light-emitting diode, an additional switching arrangement between the terminals, and a full-wave rectifier circuit, such that the circuit is protected against short-circuits on the service voltage and on ground while the LED can continue to be triggered.