Abstract: A method for the adaptive lambda control of an internal combustion engine involves a controller limiting lambda control by a maximum control stroke. A lambda variable is a controlled variable, a metering variable of a metering device is a manipulated variable, and a lambda setpoint variable is a setpoint variable. In addition, an adapter carries out a lambda adaptation, which is limited by a maximum adaptation speed. A control speed of the lambda control is greater than the maximum adaptation speed. The maximum control stroke and/or the maximum adaptation speed is/are a function of a deviation of the lambda variable from the lambda setpoint value.