An apparatus for utilizing waste heat of an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas manifold and a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element is configured to generate an electric voltage as a result of a temperature difference between a side facing away from the exhaust gas manifold and an opposite side. The thermoelectric element is arranged on the exhaust gas manifold. The apparatus additionally includes a cooling element arranged on the thermoelectric element on the side facing away from the exhaust gas manifold. The cooling element has at least one cooling passage configured to provide for the throughflow of a fluid.