The disclosure relates to a method for operating a drive assembly or a work machine. The drive assembly comprises a main drive element, a first and second clutches, and a traction drive. The method comprises the following steps: identifying a target torque progression of the drive assembly, and identifying a slip point at the first clutch, and setting and/or adjusting the direction of the relative rotational speed of the first and second clutch. The rotational speed of the main drive element is set and/or adjusted until the direction of the relative rotational speed of the first and second clutches is the same, and transmitting the torque from the first clutch to the second clutch. The torque of the drive assembly follows the target torque progression, and synchronizing the second clutch. The disclosure further relates to a drive assembly and to a work machine.