The present invention relates to a process for preparing an amine, which comprises the step cathodic reduction of a corresponding oxime derivative of the general formula (I) where R is C1-6-alkyl or C2-6-alkenyl which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected independently from the group consisting of phenyl, O—C1-6-alkyl, NH—C1-6-alkyl, N(C1-6-alkyl)2, OH and NH2; R1 is H; C1-6-alkyl or C(O)—C1-6-alkyl and A is a 5-, 6- or 7-membered hydrocarbon ring which is saturated or has a double bond and in which at least one CH2 group may, if appropriate, be replaced by —O—, —S— —NH—, —N═ or —N(C1-6-alkyl)- and which may optionally be substituted by one or more further substituents selected independently from the group consisting of phenyl, C1-6-alkyl, O—C1-6-alkyl, NH—C1-6-alkyl, N(C1-6-alkyl)2, OH and NH2; wherein, based on the ring carbon bearing the substituent R, the oxime derivative has an excess of the R or S form of at least 10%.