A DC voltage converter is provided that cyclically converts an input-side supply voltage into an output voltage. The converter includes an inductive storage element connected between a terminal for the supply voltage and, in a manner such that it is coupled via a first switch, a reference potential terminal. The capacitively buffered output voltage terminal is connected, via a second switch, between the inductive storage element and the first switch. Provision is furthermore made of a third switch, which is intended to selectively short the inductive storage element that is connected in parallel and is controlled by a control circuit. The control circuit is controlled, on the input side, by a control voltage that is tapped off at the second terminal of the inductive storage element.