Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting components, comprising the following steps: (I) applying a metal paste containing an organic solvent to the contact surface of a first component; (2) optionally applying the metal paste to the contact surface of a second component to be connected to the first component; (3) drying the metal paste applied to the contact surface of the first and optionally also to the contact surface of the second component; (4) producing a sandwich arrangement with the two components and the dried metal paste in-between; and (5) pressure sintering the sandwich arrangement comprising the layer of dried metal paste. The invention is characterised in that the drying is performed by irradiating with IR radiation with a peak wavelength in the wavelength range of between 750 and 1500 nm.