the invention relates to a method for monitoring a half bridge branch in a half bridge , said half bridge branch being connected in series with another half bridge branch in the half bridge via a center tap , including the steps of :— applying an electric supply potential opposite the center tap at the other half bridge branch to the center tap according to a predefined time curve ; and — monitoring the half bridge branch on the basis of a comparison of the predefined time curve and an electrical output potential at the center tap .