A method for producing a catalyst, in particular for the selective reduction of acetylenic compounds in hydrocarbon streams. An impregnation solution is provided, which contains a mixture of water and at least one water-miscible organic solvent as solvent in which at least one active metal compound and also preferably at least one promoter metal compound is dissolved. A support is provided, the support is impregnated with the impregnation solution, and the impregnated support is calcined. Palladium is preferably used as active metal and silver is preferably used as promoter metal. Also, a catalyst as is obtained by the method and also its preferred use for the selective hydrogenation of acetylenic compounds.