A discrete sampling control signal, which influences the sampling time, from a sampling phase selection element is calibrated by definition of quantization intervals for a sampling time error signal. For this purpose, a received signal is shifted through a series of time shifts τi in the signal path upstream of the sampling phase selection element. The sampling time errors ei associated with the respective time shifts τi are measured. The quantization steps of the sampling control signal that are suitable for the sampling phase selection element are then determined from the relationship obtained between τi and ei.