In a method for operating an internal combustion engine, as a function of a desired load, wherein a desired pressure in the intake pipe of the internal combustion engine is determined and set by means of an air supply device, the ignition timing, the beginning of fuel injection and the duration of fuel injection values are determined in accordance with a predetermined relationship as a function of the desired load and the values are supplied as actuating signals to actuating elements by which the ignition and the fuel injection are adjusted to improve the engine response behavior.