a non - volatile memory element for storing at least one data item , having a readable memory cell which can be written on with a first part of a data item , the memory cell exhibiting a first characteristic which is electrically irreversibly modifiable according to the first partial data item , at least one readable second memory cell which can be written on by a second partial data item , the second memory cell being electrically irreversibly modifiable according to the second partial data item , and a reader device which is coupled to the first memory cell and second memory cell . the memory element is configured such that the first partial data item and second partial data item are respectively determined according to the data item . the reader device is configured such that it determines the stored data item by comparing the first partial data item with the second partial data item .