An internal combustion engine including a urea-water solution injection in the exhaust system, includes at least one urea-water solution tank, at least one pump, at least one intake line leading to the pump, at least one urea-water solution metering valve which is connected to the pump with the aid of a pressure line, and at least one return line which leads from the pump to the urea-water solution tank and at whose end opposite to the pump a filter element is situated, as well as at least one urea-water solution sensor situated in the urea-water solution tank.