The present invention discloses a monitoring device for an electric machine, comprising a first detection apparatus which is configured to detect electrical power supplied to the electric machine, comprising a second detection apparatus which is configured to detect theoretical mechanical power output by the electric machine on the basis of a commutation of the electric machine, and comprising a calculation apparatus which, on the basis of the detected electrical power and of the detected theoretical mechanical power, is configured to calculate an efficiency of the electric machine and to emit an error signal if the calculated efficiency is greater than 1. The present invention further discloses a control device for an electric machine and a method for monitoring an electric machine.