The invention relates to a method for preparing peptides comprising the step of forming a peptide bond wherein the carboxyl group of a first amino acid or first peptide is activated and an amino group of the first activated amino acid or first peptide is protected by a protecting group having a water-solubility enhancing group and the activated carboxyl group of the first amino acid or first peptide is reacted with an amino group of a second amino acid or second peptide wherein said carboxyl group of the first amino acid or first peptide is activated in the absence of the second amino acid or second peptide. The invention further relates to peptides comprising a protecting group having a water-solubility enhancing group being bound to the amino group and an activated or free carboxyl group.