The invention relates to a method for producing a pricking element, whereby a flat shaped element (12) is produced from a flat material (22) by applying a mask (24) and allowing an etching agent to act upon it, at least a part of the flat shaped element (12) being shaped as a tip (16, 16'). The invention is characterized in that the mask (24) is provided with a shaping area (30) for the tip to be shaped (16, 16') and with a screening area (32). Said screening area extends distally beyond the shaping area and prevents the tip (16, 16') from being etched off at the front. A sharp tip (16, 16') is produced by laterally undercutting the side flanks (34, 36) of the shaping and screening area (32).