In a process for the continuous extraction of caprolactam from crude lactam by means of benzene in counter-current, in which crude lactam is fed into the upper part of an extraction zone and benzene into the lower part, a solution of caprolactam in benzene is taken off at the top and an aqueous solution containing impurities is taken off at the bottom, the improvement that water is additionally fed into the upper part of the extraction zone and a part of the aqueous solution, containing impurities, obtained at the bottom of the extraction zone is recycled into the extraction zone. Caprolactam is used for the manufacture of nylon.