A process controls filling of combustion spaces of an internal combustion engine that has at least one filling control element and one exhaust gas turbocharger whose turbine geometry can be adjusted by an electrical positioning element. In a base position of an electrical positioning element, a basic charging pressure is provided. When there is a possible or actual faulty displacement of the electrical positioning element, filling of the combustion spaces is limited by driving the filling control element. A control device controls the execution of the process.