Abstract: The invention relates to a method for changing a welding process during a welding operation, wherein the change is carried out from a welding process that was conducted to a subsequent welding process during a short circuit between a melting welding wire and a workpiece, and to a method for applying heat prior to a welding operation. In order to achieve a welding process with high process stability, it is provided that, upon detecting the short circuit of the welding process that is conducted, the welding wire (9) is still moved for a defined duration (32) in the movement direction and subsequently stopped, depending on a threshold value (34) of the welding current (I) of the subsequent welding process, whereupon upon reaching the threshold value (34) of the welding current (I), the welding wire (9) is moved in the opposite direction in order to start the subsequent welding process.