Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch with a magnetic drive having an armature movable linearly between two end positions and connected to at least one switch contact, which is under the influence of magnetically generated forces in the end positions. The armature and a ferromagnetic element or shunt are arranged one behind the other in a space between a first and second stop. The stops are pole faces of magnetic circuits with a permanent magnet which exerts a force retaining the armature, movable toward the first stop by the force of an electromagnet, in the first stable end position when the shunt is in its end position at the second stop. Through the application of the shunt to the armature, the force exerted on the armature by the permanent magnet is reversed and transferred to the shunt, so that the shunt is moved to the second stop and the armature to the second stable end position on the shunt and held there by the force of the permanent magnet.