A method for detecting the originality of a component

In order to determine the originality of a component (1), wherein at least one individual property of the component (1) for detecting the originality is used without an exclusive access to secret data is necessary, it is proposed that the component (1) associated signature (6) is verified with a public key. As a function of at least one component-specific property of the component (1), a current identifier, and for example, a PUF-value is produced. If the flag is currently generated the verified signature (6), the originality of the component (1) is closed. The signature (6) in this case corresponds to a code word which is encrypted with a private key, for example a private key of the manufacturer of the component (1).