A deformation structure has at least a first layer and a second layer, which are spaced apart from each other and displaceable relative to each other in the deformation direction or load direction. The first layer and the second layer have complementary protrusions and recesses, which are designed in such a way that the protrusions of the first layer can plunge into the recesses of the second layer and the protrusions of the second layer can plunge into the recesses of the first layer. The first layer and the second layer are connected to each other by deformable webs in such a way that, in the event of a high impulse in the deformation direction, the protrusions of the first layer plunge into the recesses of the second layer and the protrusions of the second layer plunge into the recesses of the first layer such that deformation of the deformation structure in the deformation direction occurs at a relatively low force level and, in the event of a low impulse in the deformation direction, the protrusions of the first layer hit the protrusions of the second layer such that further deformation of the deformation structure in the deformation direction occurs at a relatively high force level.