Abstract: For the purpose of automatic adaptation of the time of release of a data word, which has been read from a random access memory equipped with an error correction device, the error syndrome is monitored. If the value of the syndrome does not deviate from zero for a prescribed duration, then a signal is generated which designates the read data as being valid. The mean access time with respect to the data release, taken into consideration the most unfavorable conditions, can thereby be substantially reduced. A zero detector generates an interpretation signal which characterizes the value zero of the syndrome. A monitoring circuit is provided which, subsequent to a time delay via a delay line, relative to the beginning of a read start signal triggering a read cycle, becomes active and emits a release signal if the interpretation signal has not deviated from the logic value "1" during the monitoring time interval.