A method for exciting a resonator having a resonance frequency, the resonator is excited in a first period with a first frequency that differs from the resonance frequency by a first frequency difference is provided. During a second period, the resonator is excited with a second frequency that differs from the resonance frequency by a second frequency difference. The first frequency difference and the second frequency difference have different signs. Additionally, the amounts of the first frequency difference and of the second frequency difference differ from one another by less than 10% of the greater amount.