A material useful as catalyst for the hydrogenation of alpha, omega-dinitriles comprises(a) iron or a compound based on iron or mixtures thereof,(b) from 0.001 to 0.3% by weight based on (a) of a promoter based on 2, 3, 4 or 5 elements selected from the group consisting of aluminum, silicon, zirconium, titanium and vanadium,(c) from 0 to 0.3% by weight based on (a) of a compound based on an alkali and/or alkaline earth metal, and also(d) from 0.001 to 1% by weight based on (a) of manganese.