In a control unit, a method, a computer program and a computer program product for operating an internal combustion engine in the context of a combined direct and manifold injection, fuel is injected by at least one first injection valve into an induction manifold and/or by at least one second injection valve directly into a combustion chamber for combustion. In at least one predefined operating state of the internal combustion engine, fuel is only injected by the at least one first injection valve into the induction manifold for a predetermined number of successive combustion cycles. In a subsequent combustion cycle, fuel is injected by the at least one first injection valve into the induction manifold and by the at least one second injection valve directly into the combustion chamber or only by the at least one second injection valve directly into the combustion chamber.