Method and device for operating a combustion engine of a motor vehicle

The method involves supplying a cylinder group (2) of a combustion engine (1) with fresh gas. Flood-crossed exhaust gas recirculation is implemented, in which exhaust gas return lines (21, 22) are guided back to fresh gas lines i.e. loading gas lines (8a, 8b) and deviates from exhaust lines (16, 17). Shut-off elements i.e. switching valves (11, 12) are controlled such that exhaust gas is supplied from the exhaust lines via the exhaust gas return lines, to the fresh gas lines that are locked by the shut-off elements and are not locked by a fresh gas supply unit. An independent claim is also included for a device for operating the combustion engine of the motor vehicle.