A method for automatically controlling an internal combustion engine, in which an axial displacement (s(t)) and an angle of rotation (w(t)) of a gas-exchange valve are measured during a valve stroke. A displacement deviation is computed from the displacement (s(t)) relative to a reference valve, and an angle of rotation deviation is computed from an initial value and an end value of the angle or rotation. The further operation of the internal combustion engine is set on the basis of the displacement deviation and the angle of rotation deviation.