A method for controlling a multi-phase
electric machine, whose phase terminals in an active bridge
rectifier are respectively connected, via controllable first current valves, to a first
DC voltage terminal and via second current valves to a second
DC voltage terminal. The method includes switching on the first current valves when an output
voltage between the first
DC voltage terminal and the second DC
voltage terminal has exceeded an upper threshold value at an exceedance point in time, and shutting off the first current valves again only once the output
voltage has subsequently fallen below a
lower threshold value at a shortfall point in time. The first current valves are shut off again after the shortfall point in time individually, and each only when a respective indication value, which characterizes a current flow in the phase terminal associated with the respective current valve, exhibits a predetermined property.