Device and method for detecting occupancy of a seat

The device has an inner sensor mat (10) surrounded by an outer sensor mat (12) that exhibits a U shape. The inner sensor mat possesses a square section (14). Two opposite sides of the section project two arms in direction of a base of the outer mat, where the arms (16) extend away from shorter sides of the section. The sensor mats detect force acting on a seat surface and are interlocked with each other. An independent claim is also included for a method for recognizing the occupancy of a seat.