Abstract: A thyristor circuit for converting direct current to alternating current in which thyristors connecting opposite sides of a direct current circuit are alternately ignited while a commutating branch connected in parallel with the thyristors has further thyristors which are ignited alternately to extinguish each of the first mentioned thyristors before the other is ignited. The commutation branch includes two serially connected inductors interposed between the further thyristors which are bypassed by a damping diode. The juncture of the inductors is connected by a capacitor with the alternating current output line. The commutating branch may be supplied by a separator direct current voltage source which is coupled to the first mentioned direct current source by way of a diode.