Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for monitoring the surroundings of a motor vehicle (100), in particular an autonomous or semi-autonomous motor vehicle, wherein the system (1) includes at least one optical image capturing device (2) as well as further a lighting device (3, 4), wherein the optical image capturing device (2) is arranged for capturing an area of coverage (E1) of the surroundings, and wherein the area of coverage (E1) can be illuminated at least partially, preferably completely, by the lighting device (3, 4), and wherein the lighting device (3, 4) is arranged for generating a motor vehicle light distribution or part of a motor vehicle light distribution.