A method for creating a deep neural network. The deep neural network includes a plurality of layers and connections having weights, and the weights in the created deep neural network are able to assume only predefinable discrete values from a predefinable list of discrete values. The method includes: providing at least one training input variable for the deep neural network; ascertaining a variable characterizing a cost function, which includes a first variable, which characterizes a deviation of an output variable of the deep neural network ascertained as a function of the provided training input variable relative to a predefinable setpoint output variable, and the variable characterizing the cost function further including at least one penalization variable, which characterizes a deviation of a value of one of the weights from at least one of at least two of the predefinable discrete values; training the deep neural network.