The application relates to a system for using the waste heat of an internal combustion engine through the Clausius-Rankine cycle. Such system prevents operating medium from the Clausius-Rankine cycle from leaking into combustion air or exhaust air. The system has a first flow channel formed by at least one first limiting component and a second flow channel formed by at least one second limiting component. The system has a fluid-conducting connection to the surroundings or to a receiving chamber from the first limiting component and preferably from the second limiting component, so that in the event of a leak the operating medium is conducted into the surroundings or into the receiving chamber.