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 films comprising (a) depositing a metal-containing compound from the gaseous state onto a solid substrate and (b) bringing the solid substrate with the deposited metal-containing compound in contact with a reducing agent in the gaseous state, wherein the reducing agent is or at least partially forms at the surface of the solid substrate a carbene, a silylene or a phosphor radical.