Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the catalyzed decomposition of lignin with a high yield and high selectivity for phenolic building blocks and with minimal formation of the coke fraction, and to a catalyst suitable for the method. The catalyst contains a basic carrier material, platinum at a weight percentage of 1-10 wt. % and nickel at a weight percentage of 0-5 wt. %. The method comprises: providing a reaction mixture comprising—lignin, —the catalyst and —a solvent; and heating the reaction mixture so as to obtain a mixture comprising—a product mix, —the catalyst and —the solvent.