A method is provided for operating an internal combustion engine, which comprises at least one combustion unit, a fresh gas tract for supplying fresh gas to the combustion unit, and a fuel tank system. A fresh gas compressor as well as a differential pressure valve are integrated into the fresh gas tract. The first purge gas line opens into a first section of the fresh gas tract, which is situated downstream from the differential pressure valve as well as upstream from the fresh gas compressor, while the second purge gas line opens into a second section of the fresh gas tract situated downstream from the fresh gas compressor. The differential pressure valve is at least partially closed at least temporarily during an intake mode of the internal combustion engine with fuel vapor filter purging, and purge gas is introduced into the fresh gas tract via the first purge gas line.