The invention relates to a device (1) for positioning a central venous catheter (3). It consists principally of a bipolar electrode (2), a catheter (3) and an ECG monitor (6) attached to this electrode (2). In order to position the catheter (3) correctly in proximity to the heart, the bipolar electrode (2) for the intracardiac ECG is first of all advanced into the proximity of the heart. There, the two poles (22a) and (22b) of the electrode (2) contact the inner wall of the superior vena cava (101) and/or of the atrium (102), pick up position-dependent ECG signals and forward these to the ECG monitor (6). As soon as the correct position-specific signal is displayed on the ECG monitor (6), the electrode (2) has reached its target position. In order now to correctly position the catheter (3), the latter is advanced along the electrode (2) in the direction of the distal end (23) thereof, until the mouth area (34) of the catheter (3) interrupts the (electrical) contact between the two poles (22a) and (22b) and the body tissue.