A lead-free copper alloy based on Cu--Zn--Si and a method of manufacture thereof. The copper alloy is built on the basis of copper, zinc and silicon without toxic additives and consists of: 70 to 83% Cu, 1 to 5% Si and the further matrix-active elements: 0.01 to 2% Sn, 0.01 to 0.3% Fe and/or Co, 0.01 to 0.3% Ni, 0.01 to 0.3% Mn, the remainder Zn and unavoidable impurities.