A micromechanical z-acceleration sensor, including a seismic mass element including a torsion spring; the torsion spring including an anchor element, with the aid of which the torsion spring is connected to a substrate; the torsion spring being connected at both ends to the seismic mass element with the aid of a bar-shaped connecting element designed as normal with respect to the torsion spring in the plane of the seismic mass element.