Method of operating hydrogen internal combustion engine

A method of operating a hydrogen internal combustion engine (10) having at least one cylinder (11) with an intake valve (15) and a direct injector (19) for direct injection of hydrogen fuel into the cylinder (11) is provided. In order to ensure reliable and efficient operation of a hydrogen internal combustion engine, the invention provides that the method comprises performing a plurality of hydrogen fuel injections prior to ignition during an engine cycle, in which a first injection is performed prior to closing of the intake valve (15), and a second injection is performed prior to closing of the intake valve (15). The first injection has a first injection quantity m1 and a first injection time t1 as first injection parameters, and a second injection is carried out by the direct injector (19) after the intake valve (15) has been closed and before ignition is carried out, the second injection has a second injection quantity m2 and a second injection time t2 as second injection parameters, the method further c