Abstract: A method for determination of precipitation types in the atmosphere is described, wherein an output signal, in particular a radar signal, having a transmitting frequency spectrum is transmitted, reflection signals formed by reflection of the output signals at precipitation particles at at least two atmospheric levels and having a reflection spectrum are detected, and wherein finally the characteristics of the reflection signals are analyzed. The method according to the invention is characterized in that on analyzing characteristics of the reflection signals a course of a difference frequency spectrum formed by transmission frequency and reflection frequency spectrum is analyzed resolved by altitude levels.