Converter and method for operating same

The method involves setting an intermediate circuit voltage (Uz) that drops along intermediate circuit capacitance (22) i.e. capacitor, to determined desired voltage reference value (Uo) by controlling a primary switching circuit (3) i.e. quadrant actuator, of a converter module (2) of a converter (1). The voltage reference value is variably determined depending on a direction of a power flow in a secondary switching circuit (4) of the converter module, where the primary switching circuit is connected to a power network (7) and the secondary switching circuit is connected to a load (17). An independent claim is also included for a converter.