Method and device for controlling a hydraulic valve

The method involves applying an actuating current (IB) or voltage to the hydraulic valve to fully open it. The valve is opened by a pilot movement at the start of an opening movement and only then is the valve driven so as to fully open it. The valve is pre-magnetized using a drive current rising from a pre-magnetizing current insufficient to open the valve to a pre-actuation current that causes the pilot movement. Independent claims are also included for the following: an arrangement for controlling a hydraulic valve, especially a magnetic valve or a piezo valve for delivering fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine.