Drive device and a method for controlling the drive device so as to produce an actuation movement. The drive device includes at least one actuation element (25) consisting of a shape memory alloy, and at least one return actuation element (21) which counteracts the actuation movement of the at least one actuation element (25), the at least one actuation element (25) being received between two connection elements (17) that are separated from, and associated with, one another, and engaging with or being secured to each connection element (17), the connection elements (17) being kept at a distance from one another by the at least one actuation element (25) and the at least one return actuation element (21) positioned between them (17) and, as a result of the opposing directions of action thereof, the connection elements (17) being positioned in a defined initial length for controlling an actuation movement.