Measuring acceleration using sensor having moving element, for e.g. collision sensor on motor vehicle

The acceleration measurement involves detecting a signal for the positional deviation (EC) of a moving sensor element (2). It is produced by the excitation signal (IM) and it is dependent on the acceleration to be measured, to produce a control signal (ME), which regulates the value and the direction of an electrical power, which is applied to the moving element (2), in order to move it back to its rest setting. The value of the acceleration emanating from the control signal is determined. The excitation signal is applied in the form of a modulation of the control signal. The control signal is permanently applied, and is produced by integration (20) of the position deviation signal.