Abstract: The present invention relates to a method (30) for actuating an electric machine (14) in the motor starting mode by means of a power electronic system (10), in particular for application in a motor vehicle, wherein the power electronic system (10) has a multiplicity of controllable power switches which are designed to supply the electric machine (14) with electric current (l_s), wherein a total amount of energy (50) which is required to reach a predefined rotational speed (n_crit) and a time period (t—0) for reaching the predefined rotational speed (n_crit) is estimated (38), wherein a setpoint torque (M) for starting the electric machine (14) is determined (42) on the basis of the estimated total amount of energy (50) and the estimated time (t—0), and wherein the power electronic system (10) is actuated (46) in accordance with the setpoint torque (M).