A method for operating a wind power installation having a rotor with rotor blades with an adjustable blade angle is provided. The installation is operated in a full-load mode for delivering a system-specific maximum power and in a partial-load mode for delivering a lower power, up to the system-specific maximum power. The installation in the partial-load mode operates according to choice in a normal mode or a limited mode, in each case based on an operating characteristic, which specifies a relationship between a rotational speed (n) of the rotor and the power to be delivered. A first operating characteristic is provided for operating the installation in the normal mode, and at least one second operating characteristic is provided for operating in the limited mode. The second operating characteristic provides a higher power for at least one rotational speed range than the first operating characteristic for the rotational speed range.