Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for controlling an internal combustion engine having a control unit for detecting various operating variables of the engine including engine rpm (Nmot) and engine load (TL) and for generating control variables. The engine has an optimal ignition angle (Zwopt) at which the engine operates at highest efficiency. A value for an optimal torque (Mopt) of the engine is determined in a first characteristic field in dependence upon the engine rpm (Nmot) and engine load (TL). The optimal ignition angle (Zwopt) is determined from a second characteristic field on the basis of the engine rpm (Nmot) and the engine load (TL). A corrective value (dZWTKM) from a third characteristic field is determined in dependence upon the engine temperature (Tmot) and the intake air temperature (Tans). The optimal ignition angle (Zopt) is coupled with the corrective value (dZWTKM) to form a corrected optimal ignition angle (Zopt).