A method for operating an internal combustion engine, in which fuel is injected into a combustion chamber of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine in at least two partial injections, and in which an actual torque supplied by the internal combustion engine is ascertained from operating variables of the internal combustion engine, this actual torque being compared to an admissible torque, and an error response being initiated if the actual torque is at a predefined ratio to the admissible torque. In the ascertainment of the actual torque, taking into consideration a torque efficiency of the respective partial injection is provided, whereby a more accurate monitoring of the actual torque is made possible.