A counting digital x-ray detector for recording x-ray images of an object irradiated by x-ray radiation includes a direct x-ray converter for converting x-ray radiation into an electric signal and a matrix with a plurality of counting pixel elements. At least one part of the counting pixel elements has a signal input and two circuits for converting the signal into a count signal. A first circuit of the two circuits is configured to convert the signal entering the respective pixel element directly into a count signal and to count the count signal. A second circuit of the two circuits is configured to convert the signal entering directly into the respective pixel element together with coincident occurring signals of at least one neighboring pixel element into a count signal and to count the count signal. The first circuit and/or the second circuit are able to be activated individually and both together.