A method for imaging test objects by millimeter waves, especially for checking individuals for suspicious objects is provided, whereby the test object is gradually irradiated with millimeter waves along its circumference and the scattered waves are received and evaluated in order to display an image of the test object. A viewing direction of the transmitting area and a direction of reception of the receiving area extend at an angle of 15.degree. to 70.degree., preferably 20.degree. to 35.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the test object. For evaluation of the scattered waves in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the test object, a pulse radar or FMCW radar technology is used, and for evaluation at an angle to the longitudinal axis, SAR technology is used.