Abstract: A method for generating an error signal indicating an error type of an error in a multi-phase electrical energy supply network. Measured values describe a current operating state of the network. The measured values are transmitted to a protection device. An evaluating device evaluates every possible loop of the network that can be affected with respect to the recognition of the error type of an error, by using the measured values. In order to be able to more reliably recognize the error type even under different network conditions, the measured values and/or values derived from the measured values are evaluated using at least two different protection criteria, for every possible loop. Each of the protection criteria is suitable for indicating an error type of an error present in the evaluated loop, and the error signal is generated in consideration of all available evaluation results of the protection criteria.