the invention relates to a method for controlling an internal combustion engine , in which a normal state is exited by switching off the engine if a standstill of the vehicle is detected , and in which the engine is restarted when specific conditions apply . when a stop - and - go situation applies , this stop / start function is suppressed . here , for example , repeated activation of the brakes , the engagement of specific gears and / or the spatial location of the motor vehicle may indicate that the vehicle is in a stop - and - go situation in which only brief , uneconomic switching off of the engine is probable .