Abstract: A support method for speech dialogs for operating motor vehicle functions by means of a speech dialog system for motor vehicles in which a non-speech signal is output in addition to the speech output. Speech dialog systems, which form an interface for communication between man and machine, are disadvantageous when compared with communication between persons because, in addition to the primary information content of the speech dialog, additional information about the state of the other party to the communication, which is conveyed visually in the case of communication between people, is missing. The present invention overcomes this disadvantage in a speech dialog system whereby non-speech signals are output as an auditory signal to the user as a function of the state of the speech dialog system.