Method and apparatus for improving the smooth running of an internal combustion engine during cranking

Method for starting an internal combustion engine with a a throttle valve (16) receiving the suction pipe (12, 21) and a starter motor for rotating a motor output shaft (30), wherein an air / fuel mixture is fed into the respective combustion chambers of the engine and is ignited therein, characterized in that before the rotation of the motor output shaft (30) closes the throttle valve, the suction pipe (21) between the throttle valve (16) and the combustion chambers and then filtered off with suction, the air / fuel mixture is supplied to the combustion chambers and ignited.