Method and apparatus for controlled introduction of a reducing agent into a nitrogen oxide-containing exhaust gas

A method for the controlled introduction of a reducing agent into a nitrogen oxide-containing exhaust gas leaving an internal combustion engine through an exhaust line having a catalytic converter built in for reducing nitrogen oxide, includes detecting at least one operation-relevant parameter of the exhaust gas, of the catalytic converter and optionally of the engine to determine the nitrogen oxide rate. An intermediate value is determined for the reducing agent rate as a function of the nitrogen oxide rate. The intermediate value is reduced by a rate of the reducing agent desorbed by the catalytic converter or raised by a rate of the reducing agent adsorbed by the catalytic converter. An apparatus for performing the method includes a control unit. A device detects at least one operation-relevant parameter of the exhaust gas, of the catalytic converter and optionally of the engine. A reducing agent supply unit introduces the reducing agent into the exhaust line upstream of the catalytic converter. The control unit is intended to adjust a rate of the reducing agent introduced into the exhaust gas as a function of the parameters, while taking into account a rate of the reducing agent adsorbed by the catalytic converter or desorbed by the catalytic converter.