A method for operating a wind turbine (WEA), which has a generator for supplying electric power to an electric supply grid, is provided. After being operated in a first operating state with a first power output and a first rotational speed, the wind turbine is set to a second operating state with a second power output and a second rotational speed. In order to set the wind turbine to the second operating state, an aerodynamic power output which is available for supply is determined, a target rotational speed is determined from the available output, and a target output to be set for the generator is specified from the target rotational speed.