A method for carburizing workpieces made of steel, particularly workpieces having outer and inner surfaces, the workpiece being held at a temperature in the range of 850 to 1050° C. in an atmosphere containing a gaseous hydrocarbon. At least two different gaseous hydrocarbons are used and/or the workpiece is alternatingly held in the atmosphere containing the gaseous hydrocarbon during a carburizing pulse and in an atmosphere free of hydrocarbon during a diffusion phase. Also described is a use of the method.