Thermography method

The invention relates to a method and to a device ( 1 ) for testing materials by determining and displaying as an image temperature differences above a threshold value on the surface of test objects ( 8 ). In a first step, a camera for determining and displaying as an image the temperature differences above a threshold value is used to determine the temperatures of object elements ( 22 ) within a test area ( 14 ) of the test object ( 8 ) facing the camera. The test area ( 14 ) is then provided with heat by beam ( 4 ) in such a manner that the temperature of the surface of the test object ( 8 ) rises in the test area ( 14 ) by at least of the threshold value. The object elements ( 22 ) are displayed as image elements in such a manner that the temperature differences above the threshold value between the object elements ( 22 ) are visible. The cool-down of the test area ( 14 ) is indicated by means of the image elements ( 20 ).