Abstract: In an arrangement and method for operating an internal combustion engine with at least two intake pipe tracts connected each to one group of cylinders, with each of the intake pipe tracts including at least one independently adjustable throttle element for controlling the intake air pressures in the respective intake pipe tract, at least one pressure equalizing means is provided for equalizing the intake pipe pressures in at least one operating mode under the control of a control unit which actuates the throttle element and the pressure equalizing means depending on the engine operating state.