A method for synchronizing a basic clock pulse system having a plurality of synchronized components with a higher-ranking clock pulse system includes, in a first step of the synchronization, determining a phase difference between an actual phase of the basic clock pulse system and a nominal phase of the higher-ranking clock pulse system and transmitting the phase difference to the components of the basic clock pulse system and, in a second step of the synchronization, using the determined phase difference as a pilot control for each component, i.e. for the pilot control of a clock pulse generator of each component.