In an operating device of a motor vehicle and a method for recording user inputs in a motor vehicle, the operating device includes a control unit and at least one operating element coupled to the control unit, via whose operation a user input is able to be recorded, an approach sensor system being coupled to the control unit, using which an approach of an actuating element, e.g., of a body part, for example, of a finger of a user to the at least one operating element is able to be recorded before the operation of the at least one operating element occurs. The control unit is adapted to, in response to a recorded approach of the actuating element to the at least one operating element, output information in connection with an operation of the operating element before an operation of the operating element occurs.