In a method for starting an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder, an inlet and an outlet valve, and having a piston interacting with a crankshaft, and the crankshaft moving in a predetermined rotational direction during normal operation of the internal combustion engine, the piston is located in an initial position, the piston is moved into a defined starting position against a normal rotational direction of the crankshaft by means of a drive, fuel is injected, and the fuel is ignited.