The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle (1), wherein energy is recuperated in coasting and braking phases (T2) of the vehicle and is stored in an energy store (4, 5) internal to the vehicle, wherein the environment (E) of the vehicle (1) is captured by means of a detector device (6, 13) and at least one object characteristic (V2, [delta]v, L) is analyzed depending on the detection of an object (2, 11) in the vehicle environment (E), and the coasting and/or braking phase (T2) is automatically carried out, adapted to at least one parameter characterizing the energy store (4, 5), and depending on the analysis of the object characteristic (v2, [delta]v, L). The invention further relates to a driver assistance device (7) for a vehicle (1).