Method for starting an internal combustion engine

The internal combustion engine (10) has combustion taking place during the starting phase in the expansion stroke of at least one cylinder (3) and the method involves determining the oxygen concentration in the working cylinder before the starting phase and feeding in a quantity of fuel to be burnt depending on the oxygen concentration. An independent claim is also included for the following: (a) an internal combustion engine, preferably with direct injection and external ignition.