A method and a device for determining the rotor temperature in a permanent-magnet-excited synchronous machine are described, in which field-oriented regulation takes place. An estimator is provided which is supplied with the manipulated variables for the direct-axis current and the cross current made available by a direct-axis current controller and a cross current controller. The estimator determines an estimate for the rotor temperature using the manipulated variables mentioned and a temperature model of the synchronous machine.
