In a method for controlling an internal combustion engine (10) during which two operating modes (OPMOD) are switched between under the permissible variation of at least one first and one second torque manipulated variables if, as a result, a torque-neutral changing over into the target operating mode (OPMOD_F) can be achieved within a cylinder segment. If the predetermined changing over condition is fulfilled, a torque-neutral changing over occurs while varying the at least first and second torque manipulated variables. If the predetermined changing over condition is not fulfilled, the initial operating mode (OPMOD_I) is maintained and at least one of the at least first and second torque manipulated variables and an at least one third torque manipulated variable are torque neutrally varied until the change over condition is fulfilled.