In a method and a device for controlling an internal combustion engine (1) an optimized power yield of the internal combustion engine is made possible. In this case the internal combustion engine (1) is operated, depending on a criterion, either in a normal mode in which the maximum torque produced of the internal combustion engine (1) is restricted to a normal limit value or is operated in a power mode in which the maximum torque produced is restricted to a power limit value which is greater than the normal limit value. At least one operating variable of the internal combustion engine (1) is detected which is representative of its combustion power and the operation of the internal combustion engine (1) in the power mode is undertaken depending this at least one operating variable.