Abstract: A method is specified for ascertaining an actuating position of a vehicle part that can be moved by an electric actuating motor. The speed of an actuating motor correlated therewith is acquired in a time-resolved manner during an actuation process. An initial no-load phase of the actuation process is identified, during which the actuating motor rotates while overcoming the system tolerance of the actuating mechanism without motion of the vehicle part. An actuating position measure for the actuating position of the vehicle part is ascertained from the motor rotation, with this measure being corrected during the no-load phase. By averaging over time, a test quantity is ascertained from the second derivative or the measured quantity correlating herewith. The end of the initial no-load phase is identified in this process when the test quantity exceeds a predetermined limit.