Method for operating an internal combustion engine

The method involves computing the pressure between first and second components in succession in the air path for induction air from the sum of the air mass flows into and out of the first and second components. The first and second components determine the fresh air mass flows through them. The components include an air filter, compressor, exhaust gas turbocharger, compression choke flap, choke flap and/or an air inlet for an engine cylinder. The method involves computing the pressure between first and second components in succession in the air path for induction air from the sum of the air mass flows into and out of the first and second components. The first and second components determine the fresh air mass flows through them. The components include an air filter (10), compressor (12), exhaust gas turbocharger (18), compression choke flap (16), choke flap (22) and/or an air inlet for an engine cylinder.