The invention relates to a method for coating a metallic surface with an aqueous composition for pretreating before applying another coating or for treating said metallic surface. In addition to water, the composition contains: a) at least one hydrolyzable or at least partially hydrolyzed silane; b) at least one metal chelate, if necessary, also; c) at least one organic film former; d) at least one long-chain alcohol that serves as a film forming aid and/or; e) at least one inorganic compound in particle form. The unsoiled, scoured, cleaned and/or pretreated metallic surface is brought into contact with the aqueous composition and a film is formed on the metallic surface, is subsequently dried, compacted in part or completely by film formation and, if necessary, additionally hardened. The dried and, if necessary, additionally hardened film has a layer thickness ranging from 0.01 to 10 µm. The invention also relates to corresponding aqueous compositions.