Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a fuel cell system (1), comprising a fuel cell stack (2), in which method anode gas coming from the fuel cell stack (2) is recirculated via an anode circuit (3) using an electrical recirculation pump (4) integrated in the anode circuit (3), wherein liquid water contained in the recirculated anode gas is separated using a water separator (5) integrated in the anode circuit (3), and wherein water separated using the water separator (5) is collected in a container (6) which is emptied periodically by opening an electromagnetically actuatable drain valve (7). According to the invention, the drive power of the recirculation pump (4) is monitored and, if a sudden increase in drive power is detected, the drain valve (7) is opened. The invention also relates to a control device (8) for carrying out steps of the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating a target fuel cell system (200), to a fuel cell system (200) having a control apparatus (201) and to a computer program product containing program code means according to the appended claims.