The invention relates to a chemical sensor comprising a sensor film formed of a nanoparticle network in which the nanoparticles are interlinked by functionalized dendrimer molecules. The dendrimers support an efficient uptake of analyte molecules by the film material and therefore enable a high sensitivity of the sensor. In addition, the chemical nature of the dendrimers strongly determines the chemical selectivity of the sensor device. By cross-linking the components of the sensitive material the sensor displays a good mechanical stability.