Abstract: A method for monitoring the status of a catalytic converter through which a catalyzable fluid, particularly an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, flows along a flow direction from an inlet end to an outlet end, includes measuring the temperature of the catalytic converter along the flow direction continuously or at a plurality of measurement points along the flow direction forming a mean temperature value. The temperature of the catalytic converter is measured at least at one measurement point forming an associated local temperature value. The mean temperature value is compared with the local temperature value for deriving a statement as to the status of the catalytic converter.