A device and method for regulating a compressor for an internal combustion engine. At least one actual variable is detected that characterizes a property of an air column, which is situated at an outlet of the compressor in an induction tract of an internal combustion engine, the actual variable being compared in a comparison with a comparison value, the comparison value characterizing a limit for the property of the air column, a setpoint variable being determined as a function of the result of the comparison in order to shift the actual variable in the direction or opposite direction of the comparison value, and an actuator for influencing the actual variable being operated as a function of the setpoint variable.