A method for detecting combustion misfires for internal combustion engines is introduced wherein an index for the rough running of the engine is formed and is compared to a threshold value. The threshold value is dependent upon the load of the engine. Exceeding the threshold value is evaluated as a misfire. The method is characterized in that the threshold value, in addition to being dependent upon the load, is also dependent upon the ignition angle and/or the lambda value or that the formation of the index for the rough running also takes place in dependence upon the ignition angle and/or on the lambda value; and/or that the activation/deactivation of the misfire detection is at least dependent upon the ignition angle and/or on the lambda value.