Abstract: A method for operating a sensor for detecting at least a portion of a measured-gas component having bound oxygen in a measured gas in an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The sensor encompasses a sensor element including: a first pump cell; a reference cell; and a second pump cell. An electronic control device is connected to the sensor element; the first pump cell is connected using an electrically conductive connection to a first separate terminal of the device; the second pump cell is connected by an electrically conductive connection to a second separate terminal of the device; a measuring resistor is provided in the connection that connects the second pump cell to the second separate terminal; a current excitation and/or voltage excitation of the second pump cell is carried out using the control device to generate a measured signal at the measuring resistor.