In order to control an internal combustion engine with self-ignition of the air/fuel mixture, at least one injection parameter with respect to fuel metering is determined as a function of at least one operating variable, assuming a steady-state operating state. If a transient operating state is present, a target combustion chamber temperature is determined for the steady-state operating state as a function of at least one of the operating variables. An actual combustion chamber temperature is determined as a function of a physical model for the transient operation, depending on the target combustion chamber temperature and at least one of the operating variables. A correction value is determined for the at least one injection parameter as a function of the target and actual combustion chamber temperatures. The fuel valve is controlled as a function of the at least one injection parameter and the associated correction value.