a method is disclosed for controlling a valve having a spring with a spring force , an actuator with an actuator force opposing the spring force , and a pin that is actuated by the actuator , a seal element that can be coupled with the pin , and a seal seat , the valve being closed when the seal element sits against the seal seat . the method includes determining an expected natural opening time when the seal element is lifted off the seal seat based on a pressure difference in front and behind the valve , impressing a specified current on the actuator at a point in time within a specified interval prior to the natural opening time , the seal element sitting against the seal seat at the point in time such that the pin contacts the seal element and the actuator force matches the spring force , which is reduced by a specified value .