Described is an optical system and method for operating an HUD. The optical system includes an imaging system that generates optical radiation based on image information, a display system that projects the optical radiation, a deflection device that deflects the projected optical radiation, and at least one optically transparent pane-shaped element that at least partially reflects the deflected optical radiation. The deflection device guides the projected optical radiation onto the pane-shaped element, the optical radiation hitting the pane-shaped element at an angle. The imaging system, the display system, the deflection device and the pane-shaped element are arranged to generate a virtual image of optical radiation containing the image information. The optical system includes first and second edge points of the pane-shaped element. The first edge point has a minimal distance (dmin(1)) to the deflection device and the second edge point has a minimal distance (dmin(2)) to the imaging system.