A method for controlling a piezoelectric actuator which displaces a control element of an injection valve includes the step of charging the actuator until a start voltage is reached. Subsequently, the actuator is discharged until a partial lifting voltage, which is maintained during a holding time, is reached. In the final step, the actuator is discharged until an off-load voltage is reached and a parameter which is dependent on the partial lifting voltage is used as a control variable. A desired value for the control variable is determined and the actuator is controlled in such a manner that the desired value of the control variable is maintained.