Device and method for controlling an internal combustion engine having a catalytic converter

A method for controlling an internal combustion engine having a catalytic converter, the method comprising the following steps:

• determining at least one actuating variable for the internal combustion engine as a function of a system model of:
• the catalytic converter and/or the internal combustion engine;
• adapting the system model, and/or at least one setpoint variable for the controlling and/or the at least one actuating variable;
• determining information about a modeled residual oxygen content in exhaust gas downstream from the catalytic converter, using the system model;
• acquiring information about an acquired residual oxygen content in exhaust gas at an output of the catalytic converter;
• comparing the information about the modeled residual oxygen content with the information about the acquired residual oxygen content;
• determining at least one measure for an adaptation requirement as a function of a result of the comparison;
• and
• determining at least one value for:
• the system model, and/or the at least one setpoint variable for the controlling, and/or the at least one actuating variable, as a function of at least one measure for the adaptation requirement.