A method for operating an internal combustion engine having at least one venting duct running from a crank chamber of a crankcase to an intake manifold, includes the steps of measuring a fresh air mass flow supplied to the internal combustion engine with an air mass sensor, determining a cylinder charge of at least one cylinder of the internal combustion engine depending on the measured fresh air mass flow, determining during operation a pressure of the crank chamber, and correcting the determined cylinder charge depending on a measured change of the pressure in the crank chamber. A control element for a controller of an internal combustion engine, in particular an automobile, carrying out the method, and an internal combustion engine, in particular in an automobile, with such control element are also described.