An internal combustion engine includes an engine housing and a valve drive with a camshaft, a phase adjuster operatively connected to the camshaft, and an actuator for actuating the phase adjuster. The phase adjuster and the actuator delimit an interior space. A cover surrounds the phase adjuster. An actuator holder is provided for fastening the actuator to the engine housing, wherein the actuator holder is surrounded by the cover. A sealing element is disposed between the phase adjuster and the actuator holder. The sealing element seals the interior space against liquid discharge. A method for assembling an internal combustion engine is also provided.