A dishwasher and a method for operating a dishwasher having a washing receptacle; at least two spraying devices located within the washing receptacle; a reversing device; a drive in functional connection with the reversing device in order to bring the reversing device into different positions; and a circulation pump which, depending on a set position of the reversing device, conveys liquid to at least one of the at least two spraying devices. The method includes controlling the drive such that the reversing device assumes a predefined starting position; and controlling the drive such that, based on the predefined starting position, the reversing device assumes a specific position.