A method for operating a plurality of subscribers (X1, . . . , X4; Y1, . . . , Y4; Z1, . . . , Z4, B, C1, C2, D, E) that are connected to a serial
bus, the
bus including at least one address line for addressing the subscribers (X1, . . . , X4; Y1, . . . , Y4; Z1, . . . , Z4, B, C1, C2, D, E). In order to create as simple as possible and as cost-effective as possible a possibility of being also able to operate such subscribers as are originally addressed via the same address, it is provided that at least those subscribers (X1, . . . , X4; Y1, . . . , Y4; Z1, . . . , Z4, C1, C2) who originally are addressed via the same address be connected in series to the address line (3), and the address for the postconnected subscriber(s) (X2, . . . , X4; Y2, . . . , Y4; Z2, . . . , Z4; C2) be transmitted via the preconnected subscriber(s) (X1; Y1, Z1; C1).