Method for the automatic start of an internal combustion engine

The engine (1) is temporarily switched-off, esp. when the car is at a standstill, to save fuel, and is restarted by operation of the brake pedal (12). Hydraulic braking pressure is monitored and evaluated by a control device (3). This then transmits a start bit to the engine starter (2), when the level of the temporary brake pressure gradient when releasing the brake, exceeds a thresh hold value. The threshold value is adjusted to any driver by a driver type classification. The control device is connected to starter and brake pressure sensor (6). It contains a loadable program with start algorithm and brake pressure monitoring system. The system evaluates the pressure sensor signals to calculate a falling brake pressure gradient and compare it to the thresh hold value. When it exceeds the thresh hold value, the start bit is sent to the starter.