The present invention relates to a control unit (10) for a domestic appliance, in particular for a cooking appliance. The control unit (10) comprises at least one display (12) formed as an input-output device. At least a part of the display (12) is touch-sensitive and/or formed as a touch screen. The display (12) is switchable between a control mode and an information mode. The display (12) includes at least one area (16). In the control mode the area (16) illustrates symbols and/or touch switches for controlling the domestic appliance by a user. In the information mode the area (16) illustrates information as a two-dimensional representation for the user. The representation of information on the at least one area (16) is controlled or controllable by symbols and/or touch switches on said area (16). The control unit (10) includes a switch button (20) for switching over between the control mode and the information mode.