Leakage protection unit for a microfluidic device , wherein the leakage protection unit has the following features: a cover element ; a base element , in which at least one base recess is formed as a fluid container , wherein the base recess is arranged so as to be situated opposite the cover element ; a film , which is arranged between the cover element and the base element and which closes off the fluid container in a fluidtight manner; at least one pressure channel for application of a pneumatic pressure for deflecting and exerting pressure on the film , which pneumatic pressure is periodically switched between a positive pressure and a negative pressure, wherein the pressure channel is formed in the base element and/or the cover element ; and at least one resistance channel , which is formed between the cover element and the base element so as to fluidically couple the pressure channel and the film , wherein the resistance channel provides a fluidic resistance for a fluid situated in the resistance channel ; characterized in that the film has the resistance channel , and at least one cover recess is formed as a component of the resistance channel in the cover element so as to increase a volume of the resistance channel , wherein a volume of the cover recess amounts to 1 μl to 10 ml and is configured such that, in the event of the film tearing, a liquid front, within the intake phase, does not advance as far as the pressure channel , and wherein the film , in the region of the cover recess , and/or the cover recess have/has resistance elements for forming a structure functioning as a capillary stop, and/or have/has a hydrophobic layer, so as to increase the fluidic resistance, wherein the fluidic resistance acts as a throttle for gases. a cover element ; a base element , in which at least one base recess is formed as a fluid container , wherein the base recess is arranged so as to be situated opposite the cover element ; a film , which is arranged between the cover element and the base element and which closes off the fluid container in a fluidtight manner; at least one pressure channel for application of a pneumatic pressure for deflecting and exerting pressure on the film , which pneumatic pressure is periodically switched between a positive pressure and a negative pressure, wherein the pressure channel is formed in the base element and/or the cover element ; and at least one resistance channel , which is formed between the cover element and the base element so as to fluidically couple the pressure channel and the film , wherein the resistance channel provides a fluidic resistance for a fluid situated in the resistance channel ; characterized in that the film has the resistance channel , and at least one cover recess is formed as a component of the resistance channel in the cover element so as to increase a volume of the resistance channel , wherein a volume of the cover recess amounts to 1 μl to 10 ml and is configured such that, in the event of the film tearing, a liquid front, within the intake phase, does not advance as far as the pressure channel , and wherein the film , in the region of the cover recess , and/or the cover recess have/has resistance elements for forming a structure functioning as a capillary stop, and/or have/has a hydrophobic layer, so as to increase the fluidic resistance, wherein the fluidic resistance acts as a throttle for gases. <EOS>