Abstract: A method and associated decoder, system, device and storage means for decoding codewords of variable length from a bit stream, in which minimum and maximum lengths are defined for the codewords, wherein the bit stream is processed in parts, each part being subjected to a search for codewords, and where found codewords are decoded. At least partly overlapping fields are extracted from the bit stream part in such a way that the starting point of at least two fields is a possible starting point of a codeword in that part. In at least one field, the end of the codeword is searched, and the data related to the codeword is determined on the basis of the end point of the codeword. Data relating to at least one codeword is used to determine the occurrence of the codeword intended to be decoded in a field, and the found codeword is decoded.