Method for checking a loading status of a semitrailer or trailer of a utility vehicle, in particular of a multi-axle semitrailer or trailer of a utility vehicle, characterized by the following method steps: a) sensing whether a semitrailer or trailer is coupled to the tractor vehicle, b) initializing checking of the loading in the event of a coupled semitrailer or trailer being sensed, c) initiating at least one defined braking process by means of the trailer or semitrailer brake system after a defined route for, when viewed in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the at least one left-hand or right-hand wheel or for at least some of the left-hand and right-hand wheels of the semitrailer or trailer, wherein for each left-hand and right-hand wheel which is braked during a braking process in each case a braking effect actual value is determined which is compared with an existing braking effect setpoint value, wherein on the basis of this comparison, in particular on the basis of a possible deviation, of the sensed braking effect actual values from the braking effect setpoint values which are respectively assigned to the latter the centre of gravity is determined in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and in the transverse direction of the vehicle, d) sensing the actual axle load acting on at least one axle of the tractor vehicle and/or on at least one axle of the semitrailer or trailer while the defined route is being travelled through, in particular the actual axle load which is caused by the braking process and/or by braking pitching and on the basis of which the dynamic axle load shift, which is brought about by travel and constitutes a measure of the height of the centre of gravity, is determined, e) determining a current centre of gravity for the semitrailer or trailer taking into account the evaluation result according to step c) and step d), and f) optional outputting of an information signal. a) sensing whether a semitrailer or trailer is coupled to the tractor vehicle, b) initializing checking of the loading in the event of a coupled semitrailer or trailer being sensed, c) initiating at least one defined braking process by means of the trailer or semitrailer brake system after a defined route for, when viewed in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the at least one left-hand or right-hand wheel or for at least some of the left-hand and right-hand wheels of the semitrailer or trailer, wherein for each left-hand and right-hand wheel which is braked during a braking process in each case a braking effect actual value is determined which is compared with an existing braking effect setpoint value, wherein on the basis of this comparison, in particular on the basis of a possible deviation, of the sensed braking effect actual values from the braking effect setpoint values which are respectively assigned to the latter the centre of gravity is determined in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and in the transverse direction of the vehicle, d) sensing the actual axle load acting on at least one axle of the tractor vehicle and/or on at least one axle of the semitrailer or trailer while the defined route is being travelled through, in particular the actual axle load which is caused by the braking process and/or by braking pitching and on the basis of which the dynamic axle load shift, which is brought about by travel and constitutes a measure of the height of the centre of gravity, is determined, e) determining a current centre of gravity for the semitrailer or trailer taking into account the evaluation result according to step c) and step d), and f) optional outputting of an information signal.