A device for locking a vehicle seat has a pawl which can be pivoted about a first pivot axis and, in a closed position, is in engagement with a positionally fixed fitting and, in an open position, is free from the fitting, wherein the pawl has a first clamping surface, furthermore a locking element for locking the pawl in the closed position, which locking element can be pivoted about a second pivot axis and has a second clamping surface which, in a locking position, bears against the first clamping surface and, in the process, keeps the pawl in the closed position, and, in an unlocking position, is free from the first clamping surface, and an actuating element which interacts with the locking element in order to transfer the locking element into the unlocking position. A stop is provided for the actuating element in such a manner that, upon action of a torque exerted by the pawl on the locking element, the actuating element interacts in a blocking manner with the stop and blocks the further movement of the locking element before the latter reaches the unlocking position. In the region of the second clamping surface, the locking element has a material which is softer than a material which the pawl has in the region of the first clamping surface, and the pawl has a projection on which the first clamping surface is at least partially formed.