A process for preparing azomethines of the general formula (V) where R is an optionally substituted carbocyclic aromatic radical having 6 to 24 carbon atoms or an optionally substituted alkyl radical or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic radical having 5 to 24 carbon atoms, and R1 is an optionally substituted carbocyclic aromatic radical having 6 to 24 carbon atoms or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic radical having 5 to 24 carbon atoms, R2 is hydrogen or an optionally substituted carbocyclic aromatic radical having 6 to 24 carbon atoms or an optionally substituted alkyl radical or an optionally substituted cycloalkyl radical N or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic radical having 5 to 24 carbon atoms by reacting alpha-oxo carboxylates of the general formula (I) where n is a number in the range from 1 to 6, M(n+) is a cation, with aryl bromides of the general formula (IV) and amines of the general formula (II) via the alpha-iminocarboxylate intermediate of the general formula (III), in the presence of two transition metals or compounds thereof as catalyst, is described.