A method of engaging a form-interlocking shifting element to obtain a gear in an automatic transmission in which at least one further, frictional shifting element is involved in obtaining the gear to be engaged and a shifting element, not involved in obtaining the gear to be engaged but which serves as a synchronizing shifting element, is actuated in order to synchronize the interlocking shifting element to be engaged. The further, frictional shifting element, involved in engaging the gear, is engaged and then disengaged, to a defined extent, to bring the frictional shifting element to a slipping condition, in order to ensure the engagement of the interlocking shifting element.