An operating method for an internal combustion engine is described, especially for a motor vehicle, in which, in a first operating mode, fuel is injected preferably for heating a catalytic converter and, in at least one further operating mode, into a combustion chamber. In order to prevent a sudden change in the torque produced by the internal combustion engine during the switchover from/to the first operating mode, a distribution factor influencing torque is taken into account in an actual branch and/or in a setpoint branch of controller of the internal combustion engine.