A method for connecting component parts (1, 2, 3) of a fuel cell. A photochemically curable adhesive (5) is applied in liquid form at least regionally to at least one component part (1, 2, 3) of the fuel cell, is photochemically pre-cured, is brought into contact with at least one further component part (1, 2, 3) of the fuel cell and is cured. The photochemically curable adhesive (5) is photochemically pre-cured to differing degrees in at least two component part regions (B1, B2) of the component part (1, 2, 3). Furthermore, an apparatus for connecting component parts (1, 2, 3) of a fuel cell.