diff --git a/gdk/gdkdevice.c b/gdk/gdkdevice.c
index 29c8c8e5df..b7aa8e7cce 100644
--- a/gdk/gdkdevice.c
+++ b/gdk/gdkdevice.c
@@ -2050,3 +2050,9 @@ gdk_device_update_tool (GdkDevice     *device,
       g_signal_emit (device, signals[TOOL_CHANGED], 0, tool);
     }
 }
+
+GdkInputMode
+gdk_device_get_input_mode (GdkDevice *device)
+{
+  return device->mode;
+}
diff --git a/gdk/gdkdeviceprivate.h b/gdk/gdkdeviceprivate.h
index 2bf96eb6c1..6dbc601618 100644
--- a/gdk/gdkdeviceprivate.h
+++ b/gdk/gdkdeviceprivate.h
@@ -189,6 +189,8 @@ void  gdk_device_set_seat  (GdkDevice *device,
 void           gdk_device_update_tool (GdkDevice     *device,
                                        GdkDeviceTool *tool);
 
+GdkInputMode gdk_device_get_input_mode (GdkDevice *device);
+
 G_END_DECLS
 
 #endif /* __GDK_DEVICE_PRIVATE_H__ */