A lambda regulating device is proposed for a fuel metering system in an internal combustion engine with externally supplied ignition. In addition to the regulation means which is already present, multiplicative and additive corrective variables are formed and are stored in non-transient memories. The regulating device enables an additive regulated shutoff of the additive lambda shift during idling and in the lower partial-load range, and it also enables regulation to a symmetrical distance on the part of the regulating manipulation from the limitation. The additive correction may be selected to be in accordance with rpm. Finally, the reference variables for the corrective value may be selected depending upon the air throughput in the intake tube of the engine. With a view to realization of the invention by means of a computer, individual flow diagrams relating to the mode of operation are given in the drawings.