A method for controlling an optoelectronic component that includes two waveguides (3 and 4). The refractive index of the first waveguide (3) is changed periodically with a first control signal (1), the amplitude of which is changed between a first amplitude level (I) and higher second amplitude level (II). The refractive index of the second waveguide (4) is changed periodically with a second control signal (2), the amplitude of which is changed between the aforementioned first amplitude level (I) and a lower third amplitude level (III). When the control signals are on their common first amplitude level (I), the refractive indices of the waveguides are equal and the phase difference between them is zero. When the first control signal is on the second amplitude level (II) and the second control signal on the third amplitude level (III), the refractive indices of the waveguides are unequal so that their mutual phase difference has a predetermined target value. For accelerating a phase-difference change both control signals are adjusted during both the rise and the fall time periods simultaneously so that their combined effect leads to a very fast phase difference change, which settles already before the refractive indices of the waveguides are settled.