The present invention relates to a method for the metallizing pretreatment of galvanized and/or alloy-galvanized steel surfaces or joined metallic components having at least some zinc surfaces, wherein a thin surface layer of iron is deposited on the zinc surfaces from an aqueous electrolyte containing water-soluble compounds that are a source of iron cations. The method is performed at least partially or continuously under application of an electrolytic voltage, the galvanized and/or alloy-galvanized steel surfaces being connected as cathode. The aqueous electrolyte additionally contains an accelerator selected from oxo acids of the elements phosphorus, nitrogen and/or sulfur, the elements phosphorus, nitrogen and/or sulfur being present in moderate oxidation states.