The present invention relates to a process for preparing an aminoalkyl nitrile by reaction of a corresponding monoamine with a corresponding alkenyl nitrile in a continuous mode of operation, which comprises the steps (a) introduction of the corresponding monoamine into a continuously conveyed reaction stream; (b) introduction of the corresponding alkenyl nitrite into the reaction stream, with this already comprising the aminoalkyl nitrile on addition; (c) reaction of the reaction stream in a first reaction region; and (d) at least partial transfer of the reaction stream into at least one second reaction region for further reaction. The invention further relates to a process for preparing a diamine from the aminoalkyl nitrile, suitable apparatuses for carrying out the processes and their corresponding use.