Sensor device for a vehicle and method for operating such a sensor device

A sensor device for an operating device for controlling safety-relevant functions for a vehicle,

• the sensor device being for capacitively detecting a presence of an input means in the region of a detection area of a sensor surface, and comprising:
• a first electrically conductive sensor electrode, which is arranged in the region of the detection area;
• and
• an evaluation unit which is electrically connected to an associated connection of the first sensor electrode via a first connection line and is designed to measure the capacitance with respect to earth at the connection of the first sensor electrode,
• wherein the evaluation device is electrically connected to a second associated connection of the first sensor electrode via a second connection line, wherein the first connection and the second connection are arranged in mutually opposite end regions of the first sensor electrode, and
• wherein the evaluation unit is configured to carry out a continuity check comprising:
• applying a first voltage level to the first connection of the first sensor electrode;
• measuring a second voltage level at the second connection of the first sensor electrode;
• and
• determining a fault, separate from the input means, in the first sensor electrode by detecting a deviation between the first voltage level and the second voltage level.