Abstract: Secondary amines of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a straight-chain or branched alkyl, alkenyl or ethylenically multi-unsaturated hydrocarbon radical having from 8 to 26 C atoms, R.sub.2 is a straight-chain or branched alkyl, alkenyl or ethylenically multi-unsaturated hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 26 C atoms, X is an alkylene radical selected from the group --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CH(CH.sub.3)--CH.sub.2 --, or --CH.sub.2 --CH(CH.sub.3), and y is a number from 1 to 20, are prepared from aliphatic nitriles and aliphatic alcohols in the liquid phase in the presence of hydrogenation-dehydrogenation catalysts at elevated temperature. They are valuable intermediates, for example for the manufacture of softeners for textiles, of components for organophilic ammonium bentonites and also of microbiocides, especially for combating bacteria, fungi and algae.