Abstract: A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine with two exhaust gas turbochargers of which one is adapted to be switched-in during the operation of the internal combustion engine by way of a switch-in valve controllable on the turbine side and by way of a check valve on the compressor side. Furthermore, a controllable blow-off valve (waste gate) is installed into a by-pass line which by-passes both turbines. The blow-off valve and the switch-in valve are controllable by a control apparatus as a function of condition magnitude of the internal combustion engine. The activation of the blow-off valve and of the switch-in valve is subjected to an anticipatory control dependent on condition magnitudes on which at least one charging-pressure-dependent regulation is superimposed. The regulation has advantageously a PID-like structure whereby the regulating parameters are condition-dependent. The regulation and control are additionally subjected to static as well as dynamic limitations.