The invention relates to a monitoring device for monitoring an inductive energy transmission device from at least one transmitting coil to at least one receiving coil spaced apart from the at least one transmitting coil. The monitoring device comprises a coil array, which has individual coils and is designed to monitor an intermediate space between the at least one transmitting coil and the at least one receiving coil. The individual coils can be individually controlled. The suitable control can be used for a variable detection height and can ensure reliable operation even if an individual coil fails.