Method for controlling the braking power of a hydrodynamic retarder

The method involves carrying out feedback control of the braking power of the retarder for protection of the retarder or the working medium of the retarder from overheating. The feedback control of the braking power of the retarder is carried out as a function of the temperature of the working medium of the retarder and the temporal temperature gradient of the working medium of the retarder. The temperature of the working medium is detected, and the temperature gradient of the working medium is determined from the detected temperature of the working medium.