A method for producing a lithium electrode for a lithium-ion battery includes: a) provision of a basic body including an active material having in particular metallic lithium, a lithium alloy, and/or a lithium intercalation material; b) treatment of the basic body with a treatment composition in a wet-chemical process for the formation of a lithium-ion-conducting protective layer, with a reaction of the active material with at least one component of the treatment composition; and c) an optional treatment of the electrode at increased temperature and/or in a vacuum.