A sensor element device for an operating device having a luminous display comprises a sensor element for a capacitive touch switch, a light guide for the luminous display, having an input region and an emission region, and light-nontransmissive shielding material which encloses the light guide except for the input region and the emission region. It furthermore comprises a lower side and an upper side, as well as at least one metallic sensor element. The sensor element extends from the lower side to the upper side. The sensor element device forms an integrated module with the light guide, shielding material and sensor element. The sensor element projects as far as a plane of the lower side. No part of the sensor element device protrudes downward.