An internal combustion engine and method of operating same is provided which includes a plurality of first cylinders and at least one second cylinder. The at least one second cylinder serves as an input cylinder in that a portion of the exhaust gas therefrom is fed by way of an exhaust gas recirculating system to carbureted fuel for the engine. The engine includes an injection system for injecting fuel into the first cylinders and into the at least one second cylinder. The injected fuel quantity of the at least one second cylinder is controlled independently of the injected fuel quantity of the first cylinders.