A method and a device provide load-free determination of load-dependent position assignment parameters of a synchronous machine without using a position sensor. The synchronous machine is controlled via clocked (pulsed) terminal voltages from which, in conjunction with the measured electric current response, the inductance or admittance is calculated or wherein the load-free lowest and the load-free highest differential inductance are known. Based on the load-free lowest and the load-free highest differential inductance and the short-circuit electric current, the magnetic saturation behavior of the absolute inductance and/or of the magnetic anisotropy of the synchronous machine under load is predicted and used in the position sensor-free control operation (i.e., closed-loop control mode without a position sensor) for position assignment.