The invention relates to a method for the machine-reading of markings on/in transparent, especially pane-type, marking carriers, especially glass panes, according to which the marking carrier (2) is illuminated with UV light at least during the period of a machine-reading process of a marking, especially by means of a reading device (4), in order to increase the contrast between a marking (5) and the marking carrier (2). The invention also relates to a device for the machine-reading of markings in transparent, especially pane-type, marking carriers, especially glass panes, comprising at least one reading device (4) for markings arranged on/in a marking carrier, and at least one illumination device (4) is provided for increasing the contrast between a marking (5) and the surrounding transparent marking carrier (2) by illuminating the marking carrier (2) with UV light.