Starting device for fuel cell system

Start-up device comprises a current producing system (12) for producing electrical energy, a gas producing system (13) for producing H2-rich gas for the current producing system, and a combustion engine (1) for producing mechanical energy and connected to an air compressor (3) via a drive shaft (4) for supplying air of the gas producing system. Preferred Features: The engine is connected to the air compressor via a coupling (2) until the operating temperature of the gas producing system is reached.