An internal combustion engine is provided with at least one modulator for adjusting an air mass in a cylinder. It is also provided with an injection valve for metering fuel to which fuel is supplied via a fuel supply device. A maximum fuel quantity which can be metered to the cylinder per working stroke is determined. Depending on the maximum meterable fuel quantity, a maximum producible torque is determined. An air mass flow is determined depending on an air/fuel ratio to be adjusted and the maximum meterable fuel quantity is adjusted by controlling the at least one modulator for adjusting the air mass. The injection valve is controlled in accordance with the maximum meterable fuel quantity when the required torque is greater or equal the maximum producible torque.