The present invention is in the field of processes for the generation of thin inorganic films on substrates, in particular atomic layer deposition processes. It relates to a process for preparing metal- or semimetal-containing films comprising (a) depositing a metal- or semimetal-containing compound from the gaseous state onto a solid substrate and (b) bringing the solid substrate with the deposited metal- or semimetal-containing compound in contact with compound of general formula (II), (III), or (IV), wherein E is Ge or Sn, R is an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or a silyl group, R′ are an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or a silyl group, X is nothing, hydrogen, a halide, an alkyl group, an alkylene group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, an aryl oxy group, an amino group, or a amidinate group, or an guanidinate group, L is an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or a silyl group.