A method for starting an internal combustion engine using a starter generator to which the engine is connected via a belt drive, the belt drive including a belt pulley of the starter generator, a belt pulley of the internal combustion engine, and a belt connecting the belt pulleys in a torque-transmitting manner, includes operating the starter generator such that its drive torque output to the belt pulley of the starter generator is according to a drive torque curve by which an output torque generated temporarily on the belt pulley of the internal combustion engine exceeds the drive torque of the starter generator, taking a gear ratio of the belt drive into consideration.