Method for the Robust Identification of Knocking in an Internal Combustion Engine, Control Device, and Motor Vehicle

A method and control device for automatically identifying knocking in an internal combustion engine, wherein, in a predefined measurement time frame, a signal of the knocking sensor is received and evaluated with respect to a criterion for detecting knocking. A basic threshold value predefined for the identification of knocking is modified by a predefined variable interference factor, which depends on a relative point in time at which an inlet valve of at least one of the cylinders closes in relation to a predefined reference point. A signal based on the sensor signal is only identified as knocking if it reaches at least the modified basic threshold value.