A method for determining a capacitance and/or a change in capacitance of a capacitive sensor element (C2) comprises the steps of: a) discharging an average value capacitor (C3), and either b1) discharging the capacitive sensor element and c1) charging an operating capacitor (C1) to a charging voltage (VDD), or b2) discharging the operating capacitor and c2) charging the capacitive sensor element to the charging voltage, d) connecting the operating capacitor to the capacitive sensor element, e) connecting the operating capacitor to the average value capacitor, and f) evaluating a voltage established across the operating capacitor or across the average value capacitor in order to determine the capacitance and/or the change in capacitance.