The invention relates to a device (10) for determining the mechanical properties of nanomaterials comprising a substrate (30) onto which a nanomaterial specimen (40) can be anchored, wherein said substrate (30) is mechanically connected to an actuator (20) on one side and to a sensor (50) on the opposite side, and wherein the substrate (30) is configured to generate a fracture line (32′) in a predetermined position which divides the substrate (30) into two parts (31,31′), wherein a first part (31) is connected to the actuator (20) and a second part (31′) is connected to a sensor (50), in order to allow a relative movement between the actuator (20) and the sensor (50).