In a method for storing and/or changing state information in a memory (2) containing a plurality of memory cells (3), wherein the memory cells (3) assume an irreversible memory state as a result of a programming step, wherein the state information is represented by a number and/or position of memory cells (3) that are in an irreversible memory state or are programmed, the state information (S3, S13) is determined by checking the memory state of the memory, and then, after selecting (S4, S14) an unprogrammed memory cell (3) the selected memory cell is programmed during or for changing the state information of the memory (2).