Abstract: In a process for the direct reduction of iron-oxide containing material, synthesis gas is mixed with top gas formed in the direct reduction of the iron-oxide containing material and is used as a reducing gas for direct reduction. In order to avoid metal dusting despite an elevated CO-content of the reducing gas, or to reduce metal dusting, in a procedurally simple and cost-saving manner while minimizing the energy demand, an H.sub.2 O content of between 1 and 2%, preferably amounting to about 1.5%, is achieved in the reducing gas by subjecting a partial volume of the top gas to CO.sub.2 scrubbing prior to being used as a reducing gas, wherein the top gas subjected to CO.sub.2 scrubbing is mixed with the synthesis gas, is brought to a predetermined temperature by direct water irrigation while being saturated with H.sub.2 O, after direct water irrigation is heated to a temperature above the saturation temperature by admixing CO.sub.2 -unscrubbed top gas, and subsequently is used as a reducing gas.