Various embodiments include an electrolysis method comprising: applying a pulsed voltage or a pulsed current between an anode and a cathode; repeatedly measuring a respective current OCP at the cathode in a zero-current state relative to a reference system; and controlling the pulsed voltage or the pulsed current so a working potential of the cathode in the current-carrying state with respect to the reference system has a defined progression relative to the respective current OCP. The defined progression includes a first phase at a cathodic level and a second phase at an anodic level.