The invention relates to a method for the automated discharge of condensate from a pressurized gas system by means of a condensate drainage means, wherein the condensate drainage means has a collecting region for the condensate, a sensor for detecting condensate in the collecting region, and an actuable drainage valve for the discharge of the condensate from the collecting region, wherein the method has, in chronological, repeating sequence: a collecting step (S1, S2, S3, S4) in which condensate is collected over a predefined collecting duration; a detection step (D1, D2, D3, D4) which at least terminates the collecting step (S1, S2, S3, S4) and which serves for the detection of condensate in the collecting region by means of the sensor; a discharge step (A1, A2, A4) in which, over a predefined discharge duration, condensate is discharged if condensate is detected in the collecting region in the detection step; characterized in that, in the event of condensate being detected for the first time or at the latest repeatedly in the detection step (D1, D2, D3, D4), the collecting duration of at least one of the subsequent collecting steps, preferably of the next collecting step, is shortened and/or the discharge duration of at least one of the following discharge steps, preferably of the next discharge step, is lengthened in terms of time and/or a degree of opening of the drainage valve in at least one of the following discharge steps, preferably of the next discharge step, is increased, and in that, in the event of no condensate being detected in the collecting region for the first time or repeatedly, the collecting duration of at least one of the following collecting steps, preferably of the next collecting step, is lengthened and/or the discharge duration of at least one of the following discharge steps, preferably of the next discharge step, is shortened in terms of time and/or a degree of opening of the drainage valve in at least one of the following discharge steps, preferably of the next discharge step, is decreased.