A method for detecting straightness deviations and/deformations in a rotary kiln (1), the rotary drum (4) of which includes bearing rings (6) spaced apart from one another in the axial direction and respectively supported on rollers (7), involves scanning the outer surface area (5) of the rotary drum (4), the bearing rings (6), the rollers (7) and/or the shafts (17) of the rollers (7) in a contactless fashion with the aid of at least one scanning device (12) such that three-dimensional position data regarding the scanned objects is obtained, and evaluating the three-dimensional position data with respect to the occurrence of a deviation of the rotary kiln axis (3) from a straight line, a deviation of the rotary drum (4) from a cylindrical shape and/or a deviation of the rotational axes (8) of the rollers from a line extending parallel to the rotary kiln axis (3). A device for detecting straightness deviations and/or deformations in a rotary kiln (1) is also provided.