Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a light emitting diode (LED). In order to enable an influence on the lifetime of the LED, it is proposed that the method comprises measuring the ambient temperature surrounding the LED, and controlling a current through the LED depending on the measured temperature. The invention equally relates to a corresponding device comprising at least one LED 1. It is proposed that this devices further comprises a temperature sensing element 2 for measuring the ambient temperature surrounding the at least one LED 1, and controlling means 3 for controlling a current flowing through said at least one LED 1 depending on the measured temperature.