The invention relates to a method for detecting an object in an opening area of a first door (5) of a motor vehicle (1) using at least one first distance sensor (9, 10, 11), the at least one first distance sensor (9, 10, 11) being arranged in and/or on the first door (5) and having a detection area (17, 18, 19), in which a current opening angle (α2) of the first door (5) is detected and the detection area (17, 18, 19) is adapted on the basis of the detected opening angle (α2), a state variable of at least one component of the motor vehicle (1) which differs from the first door (5) being determined, the state variable describing a position and/or an operational setting of the at least one component, and the detection area (17, 18, 19) of the at least one first distance sensor (9, 10, 11) additionally being adapted on the basis of the determined state variable.