A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine improve the response of the internal combustion engine and increase its torque. An exhaust valve of the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine is opened during a discharge phase of the internal combustion engine for discharging exhaust gas, generated via combustion, from a combustion chamber into an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine. The exhaust valve is closed again and re-opened during this discharge phase.