An internal combustion engine especially for a motor vehicle is described which is provided with an injection valve (11) with which fuel from a tank (3) can be injected directly into a combustion chamber either in a first mode of operation (S) during a compression phase or in a second mode of operation (H) during an induction phase. Furthermore, the internal combustion engine is provided with a control apparatus (10) for controlling (open loop and/or closed loop) the engine. A line (13) is provided via which vaporized fuel from the tank (3) can be conducted into the combustion chamber in the second mode of operation (H).