The invention relates to a method for operating a capacitive actuator (P1) which is connected to an output connection (A) of an apparatus which is formed with a first capacitor (C1) arranged between an input connection (E) of the apparatus and a reference potential (GND), with a full bridge which is connected in parallel with said capacitor and consists of four power switching elements (T1, T2, T3, T4), and with a first coil (L1) which is connected between the bridge paths. In order to charge the capacitive actuator (P1), a control circuit (Control) first of all turns on the first and third power switching elements (T1, T3), with the result that a current can flow from the first capacitor (C1) via the first coil (L1), as a result of which energy is stored in the coil (L1). When a predefined maximum current value is reached, the first and third power switching elements (T1, T3) which have been previously switched on are switched off again, with the result that the magnetic energy stored in the first coil (L1) decays as a result of a current flow via the diode (D2) of the second power switching element (T2) and the diode (D4) of the fourth power switching element (T4), as a result of which the capacitive actuator (P1) is charged to a corresponding voltage, and the capacitive actuator (P1) is charged to a predefined voltage by repeatedly switching the first and third power switching elements (T1, T3) on and off, if necessary.