Abstract: Hydrogen containing gases are purified to remove components therein having polymerization, resinification or coking tendencies or to transform such compounds into harmless compounds. The sulfur content of the hydrogen containing gas is adjusted by adding sulfur or sulfur compounds such that the sulfur content is at least 0.05 to 8 g/Nm.sup.3. The adjusted gas is then passed through a hydrogenation catalyst at temperatures between 100.degree. and 400.degree.C. Suitable hydrogenation catalysts are one or more sulfides and/or oxides of metals of the 6th and 8th Group of the periodic system.