First dopants are implanted through a larger opening of a first process mask into a silicon carbide body, wherein the larger opening exposes a first surface section of the silicon carbide body. A trench is formed in the silicon carbide body in a second surface section exposed by a smaller opening in a second process mask. The second surface section is a sub-section of the first surface section. The larger opening and the smaller opening are formed self-aligned to each other. At least part of the implanted first dopants form at least one compensation layer portion extending parallel to a trench sidewall.