Abstract: A method of operating a multistage counter in only one counting direction includes the step of changing a counter reading of a single-stage auxiliary counter at given counter readings of the multistage counter. The single-stage auxiliary counter and the multistage counter can only be changed in one counting direction. Respective counter readings of the multistage counter and of the single-stage auxiliary counter are registered. Values of the respective counter readings of the single-stage auxiliary counter and of the multistage counter are compared with one another, and an indicator signal is generated based on a comparison result determined in the comparing step.