Control method for controlling a fuel cell system and a fuel cell system itself, wherein the fuel cells are operating under improved conditions. A control method for controlling a fuel cell system operable to provide electric power for a consumer load, the fuel cell system comprising at least one fuel cell for generating electric power, whereby the fuel cell is provided with a fuel gas and an oxidant gas as reactant gases for generating the electric power, whereby the fuel cell system is switchable at least between a power mode, wherein the fuel cell generates the electric power, and an idle mode, wherein the fuel cell is in a standby mode, wherein in the idle and/or standby mode the pressure of the fuel gas is higher than the pressure of the oxidant gas and/or the atmospheric pressure.

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