Abstract: A first variant of a sensor element for ascertaining at least one physical or chemical measurement variable, includes: a planar substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first side; one or more sensor structures, which are applied to the first surface of the substrate or on an insulation layer applied to the first surface of the substrate; a passivation layer that at least partially covers the sensor structure or the sensor structures; at least two electrical contact surfaces that are each connected to the sensor structure; a spacer layer applied to one or more first portions of the second surface of the substrate; and a sinterable and/or solderable metal layer applied to one or more second portions of the second surface of the substrate and/or on the spacer layer, wherein a layer thickness of the spacer layer is greater than or equal to a layer thickness of the sinterable and/or solderable metal layer.

Abstract: A sensor element comprises a carrier element; a sensor structure applied to the carrier element for detecting a measured variable, wherein the sensor structure has first and second electrical contact points and is operable by applying a voltage between the first and second electrical contact points; and an overvoltage protection element applied to the carrier element and comprising a first conductor track and a first pad and a second conductor track and a second pad spaced apart from the first pad. The first conductor track electrically connects the first electrical contact point to the first pad and the second electrical conductor track connects the second electrical contact point to the second pad. The first pad and the second pad are arranged at a distance from each other on the carrier element forming a spark gap between the first pad and the second pad.