A method for operating a linear compressor including a linear drive with a stator and a rotor configured for displacement by a magnetic field of the stator against a spring force, and a compression chamber which is delimited by a displaceable piston coupled to the rotor during the operation of which an alternating current is applied to the stator in order to drive the rotor in an reciprocatingly, the method including the steps of applying, prior to operation, a direct current with a first polarity to the stator in order to displace the rotor from a rest position, measuring a first end position attained by the rotor under the action of the direct current, and controlling, during operation, the intensity of the alternating current with which the stator is excited in a manner wherein the rotor does not reach the first end position or reaches it at a reduced speed.