Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing melamine, comprising a cooling step from which a mixture H2O containing NH3, CO2 and H2O is released, wherein: the mixture and a flow of liquid NH3 are fed to an absorption section; the mixture and the flow of liquid NH3 in the absorption section are contacted with each other, with gaseous NH3 and an ammonium carbamate solution being formed; the gaseous NH3 and the ammonium carbamate solution are separately discharged from the absorption section, wherein a part of the discharged ammonium carbamate solution is returned to the cooling step and a part of the removed gaseous NH3 is liquefied and returned to the absorption section.