The differential scattering cross-section of many molecules is greatly influenced by adsorption of these molecules at metal surfaces. This phenomenon is known in the literature as “surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)”. Enhancement factors as large as 105…106 have been observed. A short overview overview over the experimental situation concerning SERS as well as a discussion of several basic theoretical models for the enhancement mechanism are presented in the article. An outlook on possible applications of SERS in electrochemistry and catalytic research is included.