The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting the rotation direction of a drive unit, especially of an adjustment drive in a motor vehicle. Said device comprises a motor (12) the rotation direction of which can be reversed by means of switches (20). At least one electrical voltage signal (42) is tapped between the switches (20) and the supply terminals (32, 34) of the motor (12) and is supplied to an evaluation unit (40) in order to determine the current direction of the motor current (30).