In a method for determining 3D coordinates of at least one predetermined point of an object, the object is arranged in a measurement region and a variable illumination source projects a variable pattern onto the object arranged in the measurement region. An image recording apparatus which is arranged in a previously known relationship with respect to the illumination source records an image of at least one section of the object illuminated by the variable illumination source. The at least one predetermined point is detected in the recorded image. The 3D coordinates of the at least one predetermined point are determined from the recorded image, taking into account the previously known relationship of the image recording apparatus with respect to the illumination source, if a check of the recorded image reveals that the at least one predetermined point is marked in the recorded image by a feature of the variable pattern.