A four-stroke internal combustion engine, having a brake controller by which pressure is built up in the exhaust system and/or at least one exhaust valve is additionally opened is provided. A hydraulic valve clearance compensation element is incorporated in at least one transmission element between the camshaft and at least one intake and exhaust valve and has at least one piston (3), a cylinder housing part (2) that interacts with the piston (3), a return spring (16) disposed therebetween, a check valve (4), and an actuatable locking device is provided which limits the movement of the piston (3) relative to the cylinder housing part (2) and/or limits the movement of the cylinder housing part (2) relative to an exterior housing (1) connected to one of the transmission elements or relative to a transmission element at least in one direction of movement, and the piston (3) is supported on a stop element (5) connected to the exterior housing (1) or the transmission element.