A system and method for generating vibrations in a fuel cell system include a vibration device which can be arranged on the fuel cell system or is formed by at least one component of the fuel cell system, for generating excitation vibrations which can be transmitted to the component. An electronic actuating system includes a controller and memory for actuating the vibration device, which may include a coolant pump or a compressor, at a natural frequency of a fuel system component for de-icing. At temperatures below 0° C., the electronic actuating system is adapted to actuate the vibration device during a switch-on process and/or a switch-off process of the fuel cell system taking into consideration at least one natural frequency of the component. Embodiments including actuating a compressor, cooling pump, and/or valve to transmit vibrations to a component to be de-iced at a natural frequency of the component.