Exemplary embodiments are directed to a method for operating a converter, wherein the converter includes a plurality of bridge branches having one or more switching cells connected in series. Each bridge branch connects one of a plurality of inputs to one of a plurality of outputs of the converter. The method includes monitoring each of the switching cells in order to determine a fault. If a fault is identified in one of the switching cells, triggering one of the triggering elements for short-circuiting switching cell connections if the fault identified in the switching cell is not followed by identification of a fault in a further one of the switching cells within a predetermined period of time.