A method for operating a brake system. A brake request signal is generated, and a setpoint brake pressure required in an active circuit is ascertained. An actual brake pressure is set according to the setpoint brake pressure. A wheel brake actuated by the active circuit is hydraulically decoupled from the pressure generation device by closing an isolation valve, which is situated between the pressure generation device and the wheel brake, the isolation valve is preloaded to a closed state counter to an inflow direction of a volume flow into a brake-side section between the isolation valve and the wheel brake. A hydraulic recoupling of the wheel brake takes place by opening the isolation valve in that the actual brake pressure is set according to the setpoint brake pressure and an opening force is simultaneously applied to the isolation valve such that a compensation of a closing force takes place.