An actuating element, actuator device, and a control device are included in an operating device for a motor vehicle. The actuating element detects a user actuation and is movably mounted. The actuator device has an electromagnet and a permanent magnet. The control device applies a first electrical current to the electromagnet, by which the electromagnet applies a first magnetic force to the permanent magnet, which deflects the actuating element out of a rest position. The deflection of the actuating element can be felt as a brief jolt without reverberation. An elastically deformable restoring device presses or pulls the actuating element with a restoring force toward the rest position against a mechanical stop element.