The invention refers to a handheld injection device comprising a housing (10; 410), a dose indicator (90; 480) positioned within and axially constrained to the housing (10; 410) and rotatable with respect to the housing (10; 410) during dose setting and during dose dispensing, a gauge element (80; 490), which is at least partly interposed between the housing (10; 410) and the dose indicator (90; 480), wherein the gauge element (80; 490) is axially guided within the housing (10; 410) and in threaded engagement with the dose indicator (90; 480) such that rotation of the dose indicator (90; 480) causes an axial displacement of the gauge element (80; 490). A contrast element having a first marking is provided and at least a region of the gauge element (80; 490) is provided with a second marking, with the first marking and/or the second marking being visible through a first window (12a) or aperture in the housing (10; 410) depending on the axial position of the gauge element (80; 490) within the housing (10; 410).