Abstract: Preparation of aliphatic N,N-dialkyl-substituted amino alcohols of the general formula I ##STR1## from diols of the general formula IIHO--A--OH (II)and secondary amines of the general formula III ##STR2## where A is an aliphatic chain of at least 2 carbon atoms and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are alkyl radicals of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, which may be joined to form a five-membered or six-membered ring--in the liquid phase at elevated temperature and pressure and in the presence of a hydrogenation/dehydrogenation catalyst, hydrogen, and a basic alkali-metal or alkaline-earth-metal compound, where (a) the temperature is from 150.degree. C. to 250.degree. C.; (b) the total pressure is from 40 bar to 250 bar; (c) the hydrogen partial pressure is from 2 bar to 60 bar; (d) the hydrogenation/dehydrogenation catalyst is based on copper; (e) water is present, the mass being from 1% to 20% of the mass of the reaction mixture.