The invention relates to a process for the preparation of pyridylcarboxylic amides and esters I, Formula (I) wherein Hal, X and R1 have the meanings given in claim 1, which comprises the following steps: (a) heating a mixture consisting essentially of trichloromethylpyridine II, Formula (II), wherein Hal has the meaning given, and 1.0 to 1.5 equivalents of concentrated sulfuric acid, characterized in that the trichloromethylpyridine II in a liquid form is added to the concentrated sulfuric acid at a temperature from 110° C. to 160° C.; and (b) reacting the intermediate product obtained in step (a) with an amine or alcohol III, HXR1, wherein X and R1 have the meaning given, optionally in the presence of a solvent and/or a base.