a method for aligning a cutter spindle of a granulator , particularly an underwater granulator , relative to a cutting plate includes rotationally driving the cutter spindle with a drive motor , measuring a force acting on the cutter spindle , generating a corresponding signal , and adjusting especially the angular alignment of the cutter spindle relative to the cutting plate as a function of the signal by pivoting the cutter spindle about at least two pivot axes which enclose an angle with each other a granulator , particularly an underwater granulator , for producing plastic granulate , has a cutting box and a cutter spindle , a cutter holder rotatably received in the cutting box , and a drive motor connected to the cutter spindle , and is configured to perform the aforedescribed method .