A computer-implemented method for the ordinal classification of at least one microscope image calculates a classification into one of a plurality of classes which form an order with respect to an image property. The microscope image is input into a machine-learned model for ordinal classification. The model comprises binary classifiers which calculate estimates regarding whether the microscope image belongs to cumulative auxiliary classes, which combine different numbers of the classes which follow each other in the order. The estimates can be combined so as to form a total score, wherein the classification occurs by comparing the total score with threshold values which can be defined in a variable manner depending on the application, or interval limits of the classes can be defined so that the classes form intervals of different widths. The model for ordinal classification can also comprise further binary classifiers for inverse auxiliary classes.