In a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine and a method for operating a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, cylinders are assigned an exhaust line and, in each case, a gas inlet valve and a gas outlet valve which are used for the charge cycle. At least one of the cylinders of the internal combustion engine has an additional outlet valve through which, in the opened state, a flow connection can be established between the combustion chamber and the exhaust line. At least one of an exhaust gas composition and an exhaust gas temperature is changed compared to the normal operating mode, and regeneration of the exhaust gas cleaning unit can be set in conjunction with a regeneration operating mode for regenerating an exhaust gas cleaning unit which is arranged in the exhaust line by activating the additional outlet valve of at least one cylinder. For the method, the additional outlet valve of at least one cylinder is opened at least temporarily in conjunction with regeneration of the exhaust gas cleaning unit.