In a method and a device for positioning a patient in a medical diagnosis device or therapy device having a position calculating device and a patient bed adjustable in at least one plane, at least one optical target marking is brought into conformity with a body region of the patient. At least one image recording device is used for obtaining an exterior image of the patient that is displayed on a screen. The target marking that is spatially coupled with the coordinate system of the diagnosis device or therapy device, is superimposed on the image of the patient on the screen such that a predetermined body region of the patient can be brought into a desired spatial correlation with the target marking by remote control movement of the patient bed.