A security element (2) in the form of a laminate can be used for the authentication of a document (1). The laminate has at least a transparent protective layer, a transparent lacquer layer and an adhesive layer, the lacquer layer being arranged between the protective layer and the adhesive layer. An interface in the form of a reflection layer separates the adhesive layer and the lacquer layer. The interface is divided into regions of a pattern (25) with flat surface portions and with relief structures which are formed in the lacquer layer. The flat surface portions form background surfaces (3) providing flat mirror surfaces for light which is incident into the laminate, while the regions with the relief structures of a predetermined, optically effective structure depth form pattern elements (4). The relief structures of the pattern elements (4) absorb the incident light. In the reflected light of the reflecting background surfaces (3) the dark pattern elements (4) form a strong contrast and the pattern (25) is clearly visible. In directions other than that of the reflected light the contrast between the background surfaces (3) and the pattern elements (4) disappears so that a copier apparatus reproduces the background surfaces (3) and the pattern elements (4) as black surfaces.