A device for generating ultraviolet radiation by an excimer discharge includes at least partly UV-transparent discharge vessel whose discharge space is filled with a gas filling. The device further includes electrodes for triggering and maintaining an excimer discharge in the discharge space, and a luminescent material that contains a phosphor comprising a host lattice of general formula (Y1-x-y-z,Lux,Scy,Az)PO4 wherein 0≦x<1 and 0<y≦1 and 0≦z<0.05, where A is an activator selected from the group of bismuth, praseodymium and neodymium.