Abstract: Provided in a portable lamp is a cathode-heatable fluorescent bulb which is supplied from a rechargeable battery. For the purpose of charging, the lamp is coupled with a charging device situated in a region which is not at risk. The charging device is provided with separate connections for the charging voltage and for the application of a heating and starting voltage. At the beginning of the recharging phase, the battery current supply circuit for the bulb is interrupted. When removing the lamp the battery current supply circuit is closed, a heating voltage made available from the charging device and applied to the cathode of the bulb. Thereafter, the starting voltage is developed in a starting device and applied to the bulb electrodes. Only after striking of the bulb is the lamp electrically decoupled from the charging device. Starting with preheating is thus effected by means of the charging device. The lamp includes an incandescent bulb with a separate reflector.