Method for operating a headlight on a motor vehicle

The operating method involves arranging multiple luminescent mediums side by side in directions of extension (18,20) of the headlights (10). The luminescent mediums are switched on in sequence along a direction of extension of headlights, when the headlight is turned on. The luminescent mediums are switched off in sequence along another direction of headlight extension, when the headlight is turned off. The adjacent luminescent mediums are switched on or off in sequence along a horizontal or vertical or diagonal direction of extension of the headlight, when switching the headlight on or off. An independent claim is included for a motor vehicle with a control device.