Abstract: A device and a computer-implemented method for testing a machine having a plurality of components or for testing a component of a machine. The method includes: providing a set of input variables for a model, the set of input variables characterizing load factors on the machine or characterizing load factors on at least one component of the machine; selecting a subset of the set; mapping, by the model, the subset to an output variable of the model which characterizes a stress caused by the load factors in the case of at least one component of the machine; and determining a degree of damage, in particular a degree of fatigue, of the at least one component according to a set of output variables which contains the output variable.