The invention relates to a method for addressing at least one bus subscriber, in particular a control device or sensor, which is connected to a bus system for the purpose of exchanging data, and which is supplied with DC voltage in order to supply the bus subscriber with supply voltage rectified as defined via a DC voltage input of said bus subscriber. It is proved according to the invention that the respective bus subscriber detects the polarity of the DC voltage at its DC voltage input, selects a predefined address depending on the detected polarity, and assigns the selected address to itself for the purpose of exchanging the data. The invention further relates to the bus subscriber and a system consisting of a bus system and exactly two bus subscribers of such kind. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.