The invention relates to a lighting system for endoscopic examinations having a lighting unit that includes at least two LED elements for illuminating an area of examination that is to be observed by means of an endoscope optic. To create a lighting system for endoscopic examinations that ensures a constantly sufficient illumination of the area of examination, it is proposed according to the invention that the direction of radiation of the lighting unit can be displaced between a direction essentially perpendicular to the direction of observation of the endoscope optic upon insertion into the area of examination and a direction essentially in the direction of observation of the endoscope optic after insertion into the area of examination.
