An operating element having a first control element that is rotatable about a first axis, and having at least one second control element that is rotatable about a second axis and that does not coincide with the first axis. The operating element may include apparatuses, arrangements or structures to influence the torque required to rotate at least one of the control elements. An operating device having an operating element has a controller to influence the torque required to rotate at least one of the control elements as a function of the context. The operating element and the operating device permit a good haptic feedback and/or user guidance in adjusting a parameter or in scrolling through a menu, so that visual contact with the operating element or a pointer moved with the operating element in a menu is not necessary.