The present disclosure relates to a sensor device for arrangement in a motor vehicle, including: a transmitting unit for emitting an optical signal into a space region of a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle; a receiving unit for sensing the optical signal; an evaluation unit for assigning a switching function and/or controlling function to the reflected optical signal; a cover which is transmissive with respect to the optical signal and disposed between the passenger compartment and the transmitting unit; and further, a capacitive sensor with at least one electrode for generating a measuring capacitance sensing the passenger compartment at least in some portions, and means for detecting a capacitance change of the measuring capacitance; and wherein the evaluation unit is further designed to vary the switching function and/or controlling function and/or to vary the transmitting power of the transmitting unit in accordance with the capacitance change.