The invention provides a device (10) and a method for controlling an electric machine (1). The method comprises the steps of: providing (S01) a desired torque value (54) for a torque to be exerted by the electric machine (1); determining (S02) a fault signal (51) which indicates a fault state of the electric machine (1); determining (S03) a current rotor angle value (56) of the electric machine (1); determining (S04) a fault state operating point (62; 62′) on the basis of the desired torque value (54) provided, the determined fault signal (51) and the determined current rotor angle value (56); and shifting or moving (S05) an operating point, at which the electric machine (1) is operated, from a normal state operating point (61) to the determined fault state operating point (62; 62′).