The subject matter of the present invention is a motor vehicle door lock, in particular tailgate lock, which is provided with a locking mechanism (1, 2) essentially consisting of a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2). Furthermore, as required, an unlocking/opening actuator (6) as well as a locking actuator (7) may be realised. In addition at least one sensor (12, 13) assigned to the locking actuator (7) is provided. According to the invention the sensor (12, 13) is arranged at a distance from a locking mechanism plane protected in the lock interior, and is impacted by means of an actuating element (14) following the locking actuator (7).