A device, a method, and a use thereof for detecting a concentration of a gas or of a gas component. The device as a gas sensor includes at least one sensor element including a gas-sensitive layer and a heating element for heating the gas-sensitive layer. The heating element is able to heat the sensitive layer to a desired temperature prior to the detection and/or is able to maintain it at a desired temperature during the detection. The heating element allows the gas-sensitive layer to be outgassed if needed, so as to allow absorption again. To heat the heating element, there is a first contacting to which a first voltage may be applied. Moreover, subsequent to the heating step, a second voltage may be applied to the sensor element or to the gas-sensitive layer for measured value detection with the aid of a second contacting. The two contactings at least partially have a shared actuation by being electrically connected to each other, the first contacting including a diode which essentially blocks current from flowing through the heating element when the second voltage, in particular the polarity of the second voltage, is applied.