A method and a control device for triggering passenger protection devices for a vehicle are provided, a rollover event causing the triggering of the passenger protection devices. The rollover event is detected as a function of kinematic and rotation variables, an adhesion, and a static stability factor. A state of rotation is ascertained via a rotation rate and a rotation angle. A state of adhesion is ascertained from a vehicle transverse acceleration and a vehicle vertical acceleration. The rollover event is detected via the state of adhesion and the state of rotation, the adhesion being much greater than the static stability factor.