Security element for ID and security documents

The invention relates to a security element (2), in particular bank notes (1), with one or more electrically conductive components, as well as a corresponding apparatus for examination of security elements. To ensure a high protection against forgery and tampering with possible simple and cost-effective production is provided with the inventive security element (2) that a due to the spatial structure, in particular by the spatial expansion and / or position and / or shape of one or more of the components coding is given. The inventive device is simple in structure and permits a reliable examination of such security elements (2) by a first means (60) generated first magnetic field induces an induction current in the components through which caused a second magnetic field (with second means 61a, 61b, 62a-62d) is detected. The determination of the coding of the circuit in an evaluation device on the basis of the detected second magnetic field.