A method and a device for controlling at least one valve of a brake circuit using an electrical control variable, in which a characteristic curve which characterizes the relationship between the pressure drop across the valve and the electrical control variable has at least one region in which a change in the electrical variable results in a change in the pressure drop; and a starting value for the electrical control variable is selected during actuation of the valve such that the starting value is in this region or at the boundary of this region.