Abstract: In a method for identifying a deflection or a breakdown of a machine tool, in particular a hand-held machine tool, with an oscillating output movement, in particular a linearly oscillating output movement, at least one physical characteristic of the machine tool, in particular of a motor, a powertrain component, and/or a machining tool of the machine tool, is detected continuously or periodically by means of a detection unit. The method further includes detecting a deflection or a breakdown of the machine tool with an analysis unit on the basis of at least two values, which are identified at different times, of the characteristic of the machine tool, wherein each of the at least two values of the characteristic are associated with at least one respective substantially identical value of a discrete position characteristic of the oscillating output movement, in particular the linearly oscillating output movement, of the machine tool.