A
sensor system (1; 20; 30; 40) is proposed for detecting forces which, particularly in the case of a motor vehicle, lead to a deformation of components, e.g. body parts (10) as the result of an accident. The
sensor system (1; 20; 30; 40) has a number of contact elements (2, 3, 4; 21, 22, 23; 31, 32, 33) which are arranged on the component (10) staggered one behind the other in a possible deformation direction (11), compressible insulation
layers (5, 6, 7; 24, 25; 35, 36) being disposed between the contact elements (2, 3, 4; 21, 22, 23; 31, 32, 33). The contact elements (2, 3, 4; 21, 22, 23; 31, 32, 33) are electroconductively connected to an electronic evaluation circuit by which a contacting and / or de-contacting of adjacent contact elements (2, 3, 4; 21, 22, 23; 31, 32, 33), caused by a deformation, is able to be detected and converted into control and or regulating signals.