The invention relates to an operating device for a motor vehicle having a movable activation element for activating at least one switch element for generating a switch signal. The operating device comprises a sensor face which is arranged on the activation element and an optical reflection sensor device, which has at least one light emitting diode and at least one photodiode for optical radiation. A signal can be generated when the sensor face is approached and/or the sensor face is touched, in particular by means of a finger of a user.