Abstract: The preparation of alkyl glycosides by reaction of aqueous glycoses having a water content of 10-80% by weight with aliphatic primary alcohols having from 5 to 30 C atoms is described, in which(a) the alcohols and the glycoses are employed in a molar ratio of 2:1 to 10:1,(b) 0.1-5% by weight, based on the amount of the glycoses employed, of the acidic form of an anionic surfactant is used as the acidic catalyst having emulsifying properties,(c) 1-30% by weight, based on the amount of the glycoses employed, of alkyl glycosides is used as a further emulsifier,(d) the aqueous glycose is preheated to 50.degree.-90.degree. C. and the preheated aqueous solution of the glycose is metered with effective mixing into the reaction mixture of alcohol, acidic catalyst and emulsifier in such a manner that an emulsion is formed,(e) the reaction is carried out at from 100.degree. to 150.degree. C.