Abstract: An operating input apparatus for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes an operating surface, at least one touch sensor device for detecting a touching of the operating surface by an operator, at least one force sensor device for detecting an actual operating force applied to the operating surface, and an evaluation apparatus for determining an actuation state of the operating input device. The touch sensor device is configured to generate and output a touch signal. The force sensor device is configured to generate and output an actual force signal dependent on the actual operating force applied. The evaluation apparatus is configured to determine the actuation state of the operating input device at least as a function of the touch signal, the actual force signal, and an associated basic force value and to generate and output an operating signal characterizing the actuation state of the operating input device.

Abstract: A a method for calibrating a user input apparatus for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The user input apparatus includes a component including a touch-sensitive surface and a reference element mechanically connected to the component, a circuit carrier, distance sensor, and an evaluation unit. The method includes determining, in a first calibration step, a first relationship between a change of the actuating force and a chance of the sensor signal, installing the user input apparatus in the motor vehicle in an installation step after carrying out the first calibration step, determining, in a second calibration step after carrying out the installation step, a first actual value of the sensor signal, and correcting the first relationship depending on the actual first value.