Abstract: According to the invention, speech recognition can be limited to a smaller number making use of commands (16, 17) given by a user. By means of a method and device, according to the invention, it is also possible to activate a speech recognition device by making use, in the activation, of an existing keyboard or a touch-sensitive screen of the device. A method, according to the invention, provides the user with a logical way to activate the speech recognition device in the device simultaneously providing an improved capacity of the speech recognition device. According to the invention, it is also possible to carry out the speech recognition process by making use of commands given by the user irrespective of how the speech recognition device itself is activated.