A method for actuating a valve with a magnetic valve drive, through which electric current is passed to open the valve, to close the valve, and to hold the valve in an open or closed position, includes receiving an opening signal. The method further includes varying the electric current that is passed through the valve drive as a first current signal to open the valve in response to the received opening signal. The method further includes receiving a closing signal and varying the electric current that is passed through the valve drive as a second current signal for closing the valve in response to the received closing signal. The second current signal has at least two variations of the electric current at separate times.