A method for providing an operating device in a vehicle, wherein a control device generates graphics data which control a display surface so that a graphics object relating to an executed application is displayed, and the geometric structure of an actuating object is detected in a detection space in front of the display surface and, depending upon the detected structure, a control signal for controlling the executed application is generated. A control signal for stopping the executed application is generated by the control system if a geometric structure of the actuating object has been detected in the detection space, wherein a substantially planar surface of the actuating object which is oriented substantially parallel to the display surface is spaced apart from the display surface. Also disclosed is a corresponding operating device for carrying out the method and a vehicle having such an operating device.