The invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1), especially an internal combustion engine of an automobile. Said internal combustion engine (1) is provided with a combustion chamber (4) into which fuel is injected in a first operating mode during a compression phase and in a second operating mode during an intake phase. The internal combustion engine (1) is also provided with a control device (18) for switching between the operating modes, and has an exhaust gas recirculation system with an exhaust gas recirculation valve (14). The internal combustion engine (1) is switched to the first operating mode when the exhaust gas recirculation valve (14) jams in its open state.