The invention relates to a method for operating at least one low-pressure discharge lamp using an inverter, during the operation of the at least one low-pressure discharge lamp the occurrence of a rectifier effect in the at least one low-pressure discharge lamp being monitored in order to determine the end of its life. For the purpose of monitoring the rectifier effect of the at least one low-pressure discharge lamp, the DC voltage drop across the electrical connections of the at least one low-pressure discharge lamp and the current through the at least one low-pressure discharge lamp are evaluated.