Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping by generating for producing profiles on workpieces, especially on cylindrical gears. The workpiece and a shaping tool rotate continuously according to a fixed preset transmission ratio. The shaping tool additionally carries out an oscillating movement in the direction of its axis of rotation and thereby generates small cuts on the workpiece during at least two shaping rotations. The small cuts generated after each shaping rotation on the circumference of a circle of contact of the workpiece are provided on the workpiece displaced, relative to the small cuts made during the previous shaping rotation. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes a rotatably driven shaping tool, which carries out a stroke movement in the direction of its axis of rotation, and a rotatably driven clamping device for the workpiece, whereby the rotating motions of the shaping tool and of the clamping device occur continuously according to a fixed preset transmission ratio.