Abstract: In a method for determining the state of strength of winding overhangs (2) of electric machines, at least one sensor (3), which is arranged on a winding end (4) of a winding overhang (2) and is connected to an evaluation unit (5) is used to determine a vibration amplitude (A) of the winding end (4), and the associated phase (.phi.). The phase (.phi.) of the vibration amplitude (A) is determined in this case with reference to a phase of an electric current flowing through the winding end (4). The quotient (.DELTA.A) of the vibration amplitude (A) and an amplitude reference (A.sub.ref) dependent on the electric current, and the quotient (.DELTA..phi.) of the phase (.phi.) of the vibration amplitude (A) and a phase reference (.phi..sub.ref) dependent on the temperature of the winding overhang (2) permit the state of strength of winding overhangs to be determined and causes to be located in the event of a change in the vibration amplitude.