The invention relates to a process for preparing isocyanates by reacting the corresponding amines with phosgene in the gas phase, if appropriate in the presence of at least one inert medium, the phosgene being passed into a reactor (21) through a first inlet and the amine through a second inlet of an ejector (1). The first inlet and the second inlet open into a mixing zone (17) in which the phosgene and the amine are mixed to give a reaction mixture. The mixing zone (17) is followed downstream by a diffuser (19) in which pressure and temperature of the reaction mixture composed of phosgene and amine are increased.