Abstract: A device (11a; 11b) for switching an electrical circuit has a contact element (15a; 15b) which closes or opens the circuit between a first and a second terminal (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b). One end of the contact element (15a; 15b) is connected to the first terminal in a conducting fashion (13a; 13b). The second free end of the contact element (15a; 15b) closes the circuit in a first end position and opens the circuit in a second end position. A switchable magnetic field, preferably one whose polarity can be changed, moves, by means of an actuator device, the contact element (15a; 15b) into one of its two end positions. The activating device comprises a toggle lever (23a; 23b) to move the free end of the contact element (15a; 15b) into at least one of its two end positions. The device allows the holding power and/or the seating pressure of the free end of the contact element to be increased in its closed end position.