The invention relates to a method for producing a bonded joint between a light metal of a first component and a steel material of a second component, wherein a protective-gas joining process is used, in which process a zinc-based filler material is used, and wherein an arc of the protective-gas joining process reaches at least also the steel material of the second component, wherein a phase space (6) comprising at least intermetallic phase (7) composed of iron and of the light metal is produced in a joining region adjacent to the steel material. The introduction of heat occurs in such a way that the joint to the steel material is a solder connection and, during the joining process, a detachment of at least part of the solidified intermetallic phase(s) (7) from the steel material of the second component (2) starts in a melt of a solder matrix (8) formed by means of the filler material and the at least one intermetallic phase (7) is embedded in the solder matrix (8). The invention further relates to a structural element that can be produced by means of the method.