A method for ascertaining an autonomous emergency braking operation of an ego-vehicle. The method includes picking up driving dynamics variables of the ego-vehicle, picking up distance measurement signals, and ascertaining at least one longitudinal distance of the ego-vehicle from a forward object. The method further includes determining whether an emergency braking operation is to be initiated on the basis of the driving dynamics variables and the distance measurement signals. If a decision is made to initiate an emergency braking operation, the method additionally includes ascertaining a first starting point for initiating a warning phase by outputting a warning signal without initiating a braking operation, a second starting point for initiating a subsequent partial braking phase with a lower partial-braking braking pressure, and a third starting point for initiating a subsequent emergency braking phase to initiate an emergency braking phase with a higher emergency-braking braking pressure.