Method for controlling the regeneration process of a diesel particulate filter

Method for controlling the regeneration process of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) disposed in an exhaust gas system of a diesel combustion engine (1), wherein at least one of a setpoint temperature (T3) of the exhaust gas at the inlet of the DPF and an oxigen content (OC) of the exhaust gas at the inlet of the DPF and further combustion control variables of the engine (1) is controlled to run a controlled burn off process and avoid or stop an uncontrolled burn off process of soot particulates collected in the DPF, wherein said control of the burn off process is performed as a function of an exit temperature (T4) of the exhaust gas in combination with an exhaust gas temperature gradient (TG1 - TG4) at the outlet of the DPF. The method provides the advantage of early recognition of an uncontrolled burn off process and timely applying countermeasures in order to return to a controlled burn off process and avoid overheating and damaging the DPF.