A method for controlling a modular converter with a plurality of converter modules includes: selecting possible future switching sequences of the converter based on an actual converter switching state; predicting a future current trajectory for each switching sequence based on actual internal currents and on actual internal voltages; and determining candidate sequences from the switching sequences, wherein a candidate sequence is a switching sequence with a current trajectory that respects predefined bounds with respect to a reference current or, when a predefined bound is violated, moves the current closer to such a predefined bound. The method includes predicting future module voltages for each candidate sequence; evaluating a cost function for each candidate sequence; and selecting the next converter switching state as a first converter switching state of a candidate sequence with minimal costs.