A multilevel converter has a plurality of converter strands, which are connected to the phases of a three-phase-network in a star or delta connection. From phase voltage values and phase current values, an active component characteristic of the overall active current and two asymmetrical components characteristic of a distribution of the overall flowing active and reactive currents are determined. The active and the two asymmetrical components are each filtered and multiplied with the phase voltage values and the two filtered asymmetrical components. The multiplied values are then weighed and added to the phase current values. From the asymmetrical components and the phase voltage values, a zero current is determined and added to the phase current values such that it symmetrizes a potential asymmetrical active current flow that would occur without the zero current. From the modified phase current values, a control state for the converter strands is determined.