Electromagnetic state variables of an electromagnetic machine are represented by space vectors. A setpoint value for the vector of a manipulated voltage at the stator is preset and an actual value of the vector of the current at the stator is measured. A vector of an induced voltage is determined from the setpoint value and the actual value of the vector of the current. A value of a vector of the magnetic flux is estimated from a preset correction voltage and the induced voltage. A phase angle and a rotating field frequency are estimated from the vector of the magnetic flux. A factor is multiplied into the vector of the correction voltage when a torque-forming component of a current at the stator has an opposite mathematical sign to the estimated value of the rotating field frequency.