The invention relates to a method for the plasma cutting of workpieces. It is the object of the invention to provide possibilities with which improved cutting surfaces can be achieved in plasma cutting which do not require any reworking, or at least only a reduced reworking. In the method in accordance with the invention, a plasma cutting torch having at least one torch body, an electrode and a nozzle is used and the plasma jet is inclined or deflected at least before the traveling over of a workpiece edge at an angle δ with respect to the axis aligned perpendicular to the workpiece surface such that the emission position of the plasma jet from the workpiece is arranged at a spacing in the feed movement direction which is at most half the amount than is the case with a plasma jet incident perpendicular on the workpiece surface.