Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, with which an electric power tool is operated, which comprises a drive motor, a drive unit as well as a tool, the tool being operated by means of the drive unit and the drive motor. Said tool can be operated in at least two operating modes, said operating modes varying due to the properties of the drive motor and/or the drive unit. The setting of at least one of the two operating modes occurs automatically. The present invention furthermore relates to an electric power tool, which particularly can be operated with the one method according to the invention, having a drive motor, a drive unit as well as a tool, said tool being operable in at least two operating modes by means of the drive unit and the drive motor. The operating modes vary due to the properties of the drive motor and/or the drive unit.