A method for operating an operator control system, in which graphics data of a graphical user interface are produced, wherein the graphical user interface has a user interface extent along a first direction and a display unit displays a detail of the graphical user interface, wherein the detail has a detail extent along the first direction. The operator control system has at least two states, wherein each state has an associated specific detail of the graphical user interface. When one of the at least two states of the operator control system is activated, the detail of the graphical user interface associated with the activated state is displayed, and a state information element is actuated so the activated state of the operator control system is output. The state information element includes an outline of a geometric figure and the activated state is a basis for highlighting a segment of the outline.