Abstract: A position detector for determining the rotation angle of an element which is rotatable around an axis of rotation (A) comprises a light source (3), a detector element (18, 19, 20, 21) arranged around the axis of rotation (A) for detecting light radiation emitted by the light source (3), a beam reshaping element (7, 207) arranged between the light source (3) and the detector element (18, 19, 20, 21) such that light from the light source (3) is directed towards the detector element (18, 19, 20, 21), and a light-blocking element (5) positioned between the beam reshaping element (7, 207) and the detector element (18, 19, 20, 21) such that it can rotate around the axis of rotation (A) together with the rotatable element whereby, depending on the rotation angle, the incidence of light on different partial regions of the detector element (18, 19, 20, 21) is prevented.