A method for actuating a controllable semiconductor switch by switching the switch on an off in phases in a controlled manner using a control signal is disclosed. The method includes starting a time measurement at the beginning of at least one phase of the phase-wise on-and-off switching procedure to ascertain a time duration, wherein the time measurement is continued until a phase following the at least one phase of the phase-wise on-and-off switching procedure begins. The ascertained time duration is compared with a specified maximal time duration. If the ascertained time duration exceeds the specified maximal time duration, the semiconductor switch is actuated such that the semiconductor switch is switched into a specified operating state.