A reference electrode with a liquid-impermeable enclosure comprises a chamber for a reference electrolyte. The reference electrode also comprises a first electrode element comprises a reference electrolyte electrode surface arranged to contact a reference electrolyte located within the chamber and a second electrode element is provided at least partially outside the enclosure and comprises a sample electrode surface for contacting a sample. The first and second electrode are electrically connected through the enclosure. Alternatively or additionally, a conductive connecting element defining a part of the enclosure and/or extending through the enclosure electrically connects the first electrode element and the second electrode element.