1. A method for controlling an automatic transmission, in which at least one of a starting clutch, a clutch coupling and transmission elements for selection as well as engagement and disengagement of a gear step are determined as a function of respectively existing variables representing a driving situation as well as a wish of a driver can be activated by actuators which are controlled by a control and regulation device, the method comprising the steps of: collecting input variables for a shifting operation; normalizing the input variable into standard input variables; weighting of the standardized input variables with weighting factors; summarizing the standardized and weighted input variables, one of summarizing and multiplying of the norms and weighted input variables into intermediate variables; classifying the intermediate variables into at least one specific range of values which represents a specific shifting sequence; and implementation of the shifting operation through recognition of the actuator with the assistance of an acquired type of shifting sequence of at least one of assigned actuator control variables and regulation algorithms.