the invention pertains to a device for starting an internal combustion engine for handheld equipment such as chain saws , lawn mowers , lawn trimmers and the like , or for vehicles such as mopeds , boats or miniature aircraft . the starting device features an output element into which a starter torque can be introduced when the starting device is actuated . the output element is functionally connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine in order to introduce a crankshaft torque therein . the functional connection between the output element and the crankshaft introduces variable crankshaft torque into the crankshaft depending on the rotational angle of the crankshaft at a constant starter torque . this advantageously improves force or torque characteristics for largely operating the starter device independently of the compression phase and the expansion phase of the internal combustion engine .