In a method, a steeringwheel torque for the steering wheel of a motor vehicle is determined. In this context, a steering angle for steered wheels is predefined by the driver by means of the steering wheel. A steering torque which represents the forces on the vehicle axle acts on the steering wheel. A desired manual torque (M_soll) is determined here using at least one axle model. The desired manual torque is then superimposed on the actual steeringwheel torque (M_ist).