Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an internal combustion engine with a mechanically driven supercharger which can be switched on and off by means of a clutch and is arranged in a charge-air line. A bypass-air line with a bypass-air control element connects the intake and delivery sides of the supercharger. A throttle valve is situated upstream of the supercharger or downstream in the charge-air line. The clutch and/or the bypass-air control element are controlled with specifiable values for a degree of opening and/or a switching state of the clutch, and, in a specified part-load range of the internal combustion engine, the bypass-air control element closes the bypass-air line when the clutch is open.