The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of amines, comprising the following steps: Reaction of a (i) amide acetal of the general formula (I), or (ii) ketene N,O-acetal of the general formula (II), or (iii) ester imide of the general formula (III) with H2 in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, where catalyst and amide acetal or ketene N,O-acetal or ester imide are used in a molar ratio of from 1:10 to 1:100 000 and where a hydrogen pressure of from 0.1 bar to 200 bar is established and where a temperature in the range of from 0° C. to 250° C. is established.