An electromechanically actuable parking brake for motor vehicles is disclosed. The brake includes at least one electromechanical actuator whose rotational movement is converted into a translational movement by an actuating unit, and which moves at least one brake element in such a way that at least one brake lining which is connected to the brake element is pressed with a locking force against a rotor which is connected to a motor vehicle wheel, wherein the current consumption of electromechanical actuator when the parking brake is engaged and/or released can be acquired. Furthermore, a method for operating the electromechanically actuable parking brake is also disclosed.