Method and device for controlling a brake valve

The method involves controlling a brake flap (20) under operating conditions of an internal combustion engine (1) for defined increase of an exhaust back pressure in preset manner. The exhaust back pressure is maintained below a threshold, which excludes activating of an exhaust valve brake. Exhaust gas recirculation lines (13, 14) are controlled by an exhaust gas recirculation valve (15), and connected with exhaust lines (9, 10) upstream to the brake flap. The exhaust gas recirculation lines are attached to a loading pressure line (6). An independent claim is also included for a device for performing a method for controlling a brake flap in an exhaust tract of an internal combustion engine.