an illuminating device . in one embodiment , the illuminating device includes a light source , optical components that define a plurality of light paths originating from the light source , a light - conditioning array on at least one of the plurality of light paths , at least one light output to which an associated device that is to be supplied with light or conditioned light is connectable , at least one light path - selecting unit which is provided with several input light path sections associated with another light path and at least one output light path section leading to said light output or another associated light output . each light path is optionally connected to the light output via the output light path section or to a predefined or selected light output via a predefined or selected output light path section as a selected light path in a corresponding selection mode of the light path - selecting unit by means of the light path - selecting unit that can be switched between several selection modes .