A method is for the safe starting of a combustion engine in a handheld, portable work apparatus. When starting, start rpm limiting is activated when the rotational speed of the combustion engine exceeds an activation rotational speed that lies above the coupling rotational speed of a centrifugal coupling. After activating the start rpm limiting for at least one working cycle, an intervention in the ignition is carried out such that the rotational speed of the combustion engine decreases. After the rotational speed has decreased below a lower engagement rotational speed, an intervention in the ignition is carried out such that the rotational speed increases. If the rotational speed exceeds an upper engagement rotational speed, an intervention in the ignition is again carried out such that the rotational speed decreases. The upper engagement rotational speed and/or the lower engagement rotational speed is/are changed with an increasing number of consecutive working cycles.