The invention relates to a method for the progressive induction surface hardening of a closed curve trace of a workpiece, the closed curve trace and a hardening device being moved relative to one another in a feed mode to harden the closed curve trace starting from an initial zone to an end zone, an unhardened soft zone being provided. According to the invention, the workpiece is provided with a marking, the hardening device having a sensor for detecting said marking. The curve trace and the hardening device are moved relative to one another along the treatment direction until the senor detects the marking. Once the marking is detected, another movement takes place in the treatment direction before the hardening device is activated, the curve trace being hardened by the relative movement. The marking is again detected by means of the sensor and the hardening device is then deactivated. The invention also relates to an arrangement which is suitable for carrying out the method described.