The invention relates to a process for preparing methanol, in which a synthesis gas comprising carbon oxides and hydrogen is provided, which is passed at elevated pressure and elevated temperature through a catalyst bed of a methanol synthesis catalyst for conversion of the synthesis gas to methanol to obtain a product stream comprising crude methanol and unreacted synthesis gas. Unreacted synthesis gas is recycled to the catalyst bed inlet and combined with the synthesis gas, resulting in a mixed synthesis gas. The mixed synthesis gas at the catalyst bed inlet has a stoichiometry number SN of ≥0.80, the catalyst bed in the conversion of the mixed synthesis gas to methanol has a maximum catalyst bed temperature of ≤280° C., and the mixed synthesis gas at the catalyst bed inlet has a carbon monoxide concentration of ≤20% by volume.