A method for precharging half bridge modules and full bridge modules of a modular multilevel converter includes providing the modular multilevel converter with at least one phase module branch with half bridge modules and full bridge modules connected electrically in a series circuit, and each of the half bridge modules and full bridge modules having at least first and second module connections, two electronic switching elements and an electrical energy store. In a first charging phase after connecting the multilevel converter to an energy supply network with the electronic switching elements of the half bridge modules and the full bridge modules not actuated, the energy stores of the half bridge modules and the full bridge modules are charged in an uncontrolled manner. In a second charging phase, the electronic switching elements of at least some full bridge modules are actuated such that the half bridge modules are charged further.