Abstract: An operating element, in particular for a motor vehicle component, includes an actuating element that is movably supported in a carrier element and acts, in particular, on a switch element. To detect an approach of a user to the operating element, but at the same time to prevent a misdetection by a movable component, an electrically conductive sensor element of a capacitive proximity sensor and at least one shielding element are arranged in an interior space of the actuating element, the sensor element and the shielding element being connected to a printed circuit board in an electrically conducting fashion.

Abstract: A control element includes a switching element, an operating element for operating the switching element, a printed circuit board, and an electrically conductive sensor element of a capacitive proximity sensor integrated in the operating element. The electrically conductive sensor element is designed to be electrically conductively connected to the printed circuit board.