a pressure sensor includes a pressure sensor element that is provided with a pressure sensor membrane . the pressure sensor element is held in a receiving part in a defined position during operation within a permissible operating pressure range by a spring element . when the permissible range is exceeded , a relative movement , acting against the spring force , between the pressure sensor element and the receiving part takes place , thereby increasing the volume of the space immediately upstream of the pressure sensor membrane . the design allows for a limitation of the pressure and for an effective protection of the pressure sensor membrane when the liquid is frozen .