Abstract: In a method for operating a motor vehicle drive train during a shifting operation of a gearwheel change gearbox, the clutch is triggered for closing before the target gear is fully engaged. A control device determines a triggering moment for the clutch as a function of operational parameters and/or state variables of the drive train. The control device calculates a required interval which is necessary until complete engagement of the target gear and an interval which is necessary until a gripping point of the clutch is reached. An optimum triggering moment is determined from these intervals. The tractive force interruption during a shifting operation is thus very short. At the same time, the completion of the shifting operation is ensured.