The invention relates to a compact confocal theta microscope which can be used as theta microscope with single objective or dual-objective system. Said microscope is characterized by separate directions of illumination and detection, whereby the direction of detection in the objective is inclined at a set angle in relation to the direction of illumination. Said angle is chosen such that the area of overlap of the illumination volume and detection volume is reduced in comparison with a conventional confocal microscope. In the optical path between the objective and an image plane of the microscope a beam splitter or reflector are positioned for injecting the illumination light and/or coupling out the detection light. The injection of the illumination light into the microscope and/or coupling out of the detection light from the microscope can take place via one or more optic fibres.