A device scans an optical record carrier having optically detectable marks along a track. The device includes a radiation source for emitting a radiation beam, an objective system for guiding the radiation beam to the record carrier, and a radiation-sensitive detection system for receiving radiation from the record carrier. The detection system includes at least two detectors on both sides of a dividing line. Each detector has an output for providing a detector signal. An electronic circuit forms a focus error signal from the detector signals. The electronic circuit determines a time or phase difference between corresponding parts of the detector signals relating to passage of the radiation beam over patterns of the marks having a spatial frequency in a first range and in a different, second range, and forms a focus error signal in dependence on the time or phase difference.