The invention relates to a starter device (1) for an internal combustion engine (2). Said starter device is provided with an electric starter motor (3), a power supply (16), and with a drive device (4) for the starter motor (3). The drive device comprises a power switching electronic unit (6) and a control device (5) for the power switching electronic unit (6). Sensors for detecting physical parameters that are relevant for the starting power of the starter motor (3) are provided in order to optimally modulate the starting characteristic curve of the starter motor (3) within permissible limiting values of the physical parameters.