In a method and an apparatus for operation of a dishwasher, a total maximum electric output is assigned to a group of electric consumer elements of the dishwasher. In addition, at least two output levels are assigned to each electric consumer element of said group. An optimum combination of output levels is then selected in a requirement determination step, based on an operational state B of the dishwasher, whereby for each consumer element the selected output level is adapted to the output requirement of the consumer element in operational state B and the total output of all consumer elements does not exceed the maximum electric total output. The output levels of the individual consumer elements are optimally adapted in accordance with the requirements in operating phases of the dishwasher, thus allowing a response to be made to any fluctuations in the operational state.