A method for selecting a mode of operation of a hybrid vehicle. At least one evaluation variable is determined for each predetermined target criteria for the quantitative description of the respective target criterion. Possible power distributions in the drivetrain are determined for each mode of operation of a first selection of possible modes of operation; determining values of the evaluation variables for each one of the determined power distributions of the respective mode of operation for each mode of operation of the first selection and determining an ideal power distribution in the drivetrain by the determined values of the evaluation variables for the respective mode of operation; and selecting an ideal mode of operation by those values of the evaluation variables which the latter have for the modes of operation of the first selection, in each case at the operating point of the determined ideal power distribution.