A method for operating a reciprocating internal combustion engine in an engine braking mode of operation is provided. The method includes closing, for a first time, at least one exhaust valve of at least one cylinder in the engine braking mode of operation within a working cycle, and opening for a first time, and closing, for a second time, the at least one exhaust valve of the at least one cylinder, and opening for a second time to thereby discharge compressed gas in the cylinder via a piston of the cylinder from the cylinder. After the first opening and before the second closing, the exhaust valve is kept open, until the cylinder is filled with gas which flows through at least one exhaust channel from at least one second cylinder of the reciprocating internal combustion engine.