The invention relates to a process for operating an internal combustion engine, with at least one supercharger, at least one intercooler connected downstream from the supercharger, at least one cooling circuit which is connected to the intercooler, and at least one pressure setting device which controls the supercharger. It is provided that differential pressure determination of the charging air is used for ascertaining the icing state of the intercooler. Furthermore the invention relates to an internal combustion engine for implementing the process.