Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an internal combustion engine, which has a first inlet valve (P) and a second inlet valve (S) per cylinder, which can be operated independently of one another between maximum operation (P1, S1) and minimum operation. The change of the inlet valves takes place preferably by engine oil pressure, in a basic state (P1+S2) the first inlet valve (P) is in maximum operation (P1) and the second inlet valve (S) is in minimum operation (S2). From the basic state, the valve control device switches the first inlet valve (P) into a minimum operation (P3) at low engine rotational speeds/engine torques and sufficient engine oil pressure and switches the second inlet valve (S) into maximum operation (S1) at high engine rotational speeds/engine torques.