A method for operating a headlamp for a motor vehicle, which can be operated in at least two illumination states, comprises: detecting at least one influencing variable, which can influence a future change of mode of the headlamp from one of the illumination states to another of the illumination states; detecting a time profile of the influencing variable; detecting a control signal that is intended to cause a change of mode of the headlamp from a current illumination state to another of the illumination states; and controlling the mode of the headlamp depending on the control signal, wherein the change of mode of the headlamp is delayed depending on the time profile of the influencing variable.