A device for counting sterilization cycles during the sterilization of medical instruments and devices includes a counter for recording and reproducing a number of sterilization cycles, an actuation unit for sterilization parameter-dependent actuation of the counter, and a locking unit for sterilization parameter-dependent locking the counter. The actuation unit actuates the counter upon exceeding a first threshold sterilization parameter. The locking unit locks the counter after an actuation has been carried out and/or after exceeding a second threshold sterilization parameter, and unlocks the counter after not meeting a third threshold sterilization parameter.