Multicylinder internal combustion engine and method for cylinder cut-off

Multiple cylinder internal combustion engine (1) comprises a first lambda probe (11) and a first catalyst (12) arranged in a first exhaust gas pipe (8), a second lambda probe (13) and a second catalyst arranged in a second exhaust gas pipe (9), and a common controlled throttle valve (6) arranged in the inlet region (4) of the cylinders (A-D). Both exhaust gas pipes open into a complete exhaust gas pipe (10). An independent claim is also included for a process for partially switching off the multiple cylinder internal combustion engine. Preferred Features: A third catalyst is arranged in the complete exhaust gas pipe or in the second exhaust gas pipe behind the second lambda probe. The controlled throttle valve is an electronically controlled throttle valve.