The invention relates to an illuminant (23) and a socket (20) for a lamp (15). The features of the socket can be implemented also independently of the features of the illuminant (23). The socket has supply terminal areas on multiple sides of the socket housing such that the socket (20) can be selectively supplied with electricity and wired from different sides or also simultaneously from multiple sides. Independently of the number and the arrangement of the supply terminal areas (94), multiple electrical supply terminals (95) having the same polarity are provided on the socket (20). Said supply terminals (95) having the same polarity are electrically short-circuited by means of a shorting connector (116), in particular two identical shorting connectors (116) being arranged in the socket housing. Said socket (20) and illuminant (23) modularly achieve large total illumination surfaces in a lamp (15) and an appealing appearance in a very simple manner.
