A fuel cell method and apparatus includes upstream reforming of hydrocarbons and/or alcohols, with water contained in the exhaust air stream of the fuel cell system being recovered. An absorption unit is connected into the exhaust air stream of the fuel cell, and water absorbed therein is released in a desorption unit, preferably by means of heated air to be supplied, and/or by heating the glycol solution. The moist air can subsequently be returned to the fuel cell system or the reforming unit. This makes it possible to recover all of the process water, and to operate the system at low pressure.