The invention proposes a method for detecting the motion of an element relative to a sensor device, in which signals (7 to 15) are evaluated as a function of a pulse generator (1) that is moved past the sensor (3, 4, 5). The signals (7, 8; 10, 11; 13, 14) of two sensor elements (4, 5) disposed next to each other in the movement direction are detected, wherein in order to detect vibrations perpendicular to the movement direction, the phase responses of the signals (7, 8; 10, 11; 13, 14) of the individual sensor elements (4, 5) and of the differential signals (9; 12; 15) of the individual sensor elements (4, 5) are evaluated as to whether all three signals are in phase.