A method for determining an operating variable of a drum brake comprises actuating the brake in at least one of: a first wheel speed range and a second wheel speed range. The operating variable is calculated based on bearing force of a leading brake shoe and the further bearing force of a trailing brake shoe when in the first wheel speed range. The operating variable is calculated when in the second wheel speed range based on a current actuator position and an actuator contact position, in which brake shoes of the drum brake come into engagement with a drum of the drum brake.