An internal combustion engine which operates in accordance with an auto-ignition principle includes at least one working cylinder, at least two inlet valves per working cylinder and at least one outlet valve per working cylinder. The internal combustion engine has a first camshaft and a second camshaft. The second camshaft actuates at least one of the inlet valves per working cylinder and actuates at least one outlet valve per working cylinder. The internal combustion engine has an adjuster disposed at the second camshaft. The adjuster adjusts valve control times of the inlet and outlet valves actuated by the second camshaft selectively in an early direction and a late direction in relation to valve control times of the first camshaft. A method for operating an internal combustion engine is also provided.