The invention relates to a method for monitoring the state of vehicle chassis, particularly of rail vehicles, whereby physical quantities are measured on the chassis by means of sensors. The measured and optionally processed quantities are compared with modeled quantities by means of a processing unit. The modeled quantities are determined from specific quantities, a classification into classes of causes is performed on the basis of the comparison by means of one or the processing unit, and an evaluation is carried out based on the classification. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.