A method for operating a wind turbine is disclosed. The rotational speed and power of the wind turbine are reduced when the prevailing wind speed exceeds a predetermined first limit value. The rotational speed and power are reduced further with an increasing wind speed until the rotational speed reaches a predetermined minimum rotational speed and/or the power reaches a predetermined minimum power. The wind energy turbine maintains the minimum rotational speed, or the minimum power, if the wind speed increases even further.