The device has detection region (2) in a test element (1) which contains a reaction region (3) with reagents for detecting an analyte. The analyte causes a change in the absorption behavior upon reaction with the analyte. The detection region contains a reference region (4) in which the absorption behavior is not changed by the analyte. A detection unit (7) is provided for the spatially resolved detection of light intensities. The reaction regions and the reference regions are arranged alternately in two dimensions. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a test element for determining analyte in a liquid.
