Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with a positive displacement charger having a charger housing adjacent to the engine cylinder(s), the gas exchange control element for the combustion chamber inlet is a functional part of the charger, preferably designed as a rotary piston charger. An internal combustion engine comprising at least one set of three cylinders having a combustion space is provided with an outlet gap at its lower end. The outlet gap is controlled by a stroke piston. There is at least one rotary piston charger in constant driving connection with a crank shaft. The charger has an outlet opening forming an inlet opening of one combustion space. The opening is capable of being closed off by a gas exchange control element that is separate from the stroke piston.