Apparatus and method for object recognition for a motor vehicle safety device

The invention relates to a device for detecting objects for a motor vehicle occupant protection system with a signal source (10) which is adapted to generate at least one electromagnetic wave (12) and a receiver (14) for by an obstacle (16) reflected at least one electromagnetic wave (18). According to the invention an evaluation unit (20) is provided for evaluating the reflected polarization of the obstacle (16) and the receiver (14) at least one received electromagnetic wave (18) and for generating at least one evaluation signal (22) is formed. This makes it possible, additional information about the obstacle such. B. obtain its surface structure and use of the motor vehicle occupant protection system.