An internal combustion engine has a supply channel supplying combustion air. A throttle element is arranged in the supply channel and the position of the throttle element is adjustable by an operator-controlled element. The engine has a starter device which has an operating position and a starting position. In the starting position, the starter device opens up a defined flow cross section in the supply channel. The starter device locks in the starting position. The locking is released by actuation of the operator-controlled element. To achieve good starting performance of the engine, the engine has an intermediate stop which, upon the first actuation of the operator-controlled element after the release of the locking, is active and prevents the throttle element from opening fully, and which, during the subsequent closing movement of the throttle element, is deactivated such that the throttle element can be opened fully.

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