A device for representing the direction of action (9) of a working mechanism (3), in particular a tool or a radiation source and/or a radiation emitter, for example, of X-rays is provided. The device includes a first light source (4) which is used to produce a first beam (5). In order to represent the direction of action in a continuous manner, at least one additional light source (4′) which is used to produce an additional beam (5′) is provided. The light sources (4, 4′) and the working device (3) can be oriented in such a manner that the first beam (5) and the additional beam (5′) have a flat extension and cut in the direction of action (9) of the working mechanism (3). The invention also relates to a corresponding method.