A method for engine braking of an engine which has at least one exhaust-gas turbocharger with an exhaust-gas turbine acted on by an exhaust-gas flow and a charge air compressor. A device for throttling exhaust-gas flow is arranged between exhaust outlet valves and the exhaust-gas turbocharger, and a bypass line conducts the exhaust-gas flow past the throttling device, the exhaust-gas flow being conducted through the at least one bypass line to a turbine wheel of the exhaust-gas turbine. An exhaust gas counter-pressure and a charge air pressure are measured. Based on the measurement, an optimum position of the throttling device to obtain a predetermined braking action is determined. The exhaust-gas counter-pressure and the charge air pressure are subsequently controlled by adjusting the throttling device corresponding to the determination of the optimum position of the throttling device.