A method is for starting a sensorless and brushless direct current motor, the stator windings of which are supplied with power from a multiphase converter circuit. For starting the motor, it is first rotated into a defined starting position in an alignment operation through simultaneous energization of at least two phases. Then in a second phase, an energization state of the stator windings which is in the desired direction of rotation and provides sufficient torque is initiated, whereupon then the additional energization states of the corresponding phases follow cyclically, and the rotor is rotated in synchronization with the applied stator rotational field. The motor may be used in a motor vehicle and supplied with the battery voltage at the input terminals. In an example embodiment, the current supplied in the alignment is adjusted according to the battery voltage, and in addition, it is increased according to a specified waveform. This ensures reliable and rapid rotation without overshooting into the starting position.