A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine and method for operating a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine

The invention relates to a method for operating a spark-ignition multi-cylinder internal combustion engine in which an odd number n of cylinders arranged in series, takes place in which, in partial-load operation falls below a predetermined load, a partial shutdown of the cylinders. The invention further relates to a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine for carrying out such a method. It is to show a process of the type mentioned above, which is optimized with regard to the partial shutdown. This object is achieved by a method of the type mentioned, which is characterized in that each cylinder is operated alternately during the shutdown part in such a manner that each cylinder is alternately ignited and turned off.