an ignition device for a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes a first electrode and a second electrode , which is movable with the aid of an actuator . the ignition device is configured to generate a first ignition spark when a contact between the first and second electrode is interrupted . to accomplish this , the second electrode is moved away from the first electrode . a third electrode is also provided , which is spaced apart from the first electrode . with the aid of the third electrode , a second ignition spark can be generated by moving the second electrode away from the other two electrodes . with the three electrodes , the ignition unit is configured to allow the two ignition sparks to pass through a volume formed between the electrodes in the direction transverse to the longitudinal extension of the ignition sparks in the course of the movement of the second electrode .