An apparatus and method for driving a semiconductor switching element. The apparatus is configured to monitor at least one state variable of the semiconductor switching element, to switch off the semiconductor switching element in at least two stages, and to receive both a first parameter and a second parameter, the first and second parameters affecting how the state is monitored. The apparatus is further configured to receive both a third parameter and a fourth parameter, the third and fourth parameters affecting a two-stage switching-off operation of the semiconductor switching element.