A process is described for bringing ground coal or similar carbon-containing raw materials into solution with aromatic solvents under elevated pressure and at elevated temperature. The solvents used are high-aromatic residues obtained from the pyrolysis of petroleum fractions, having an average boiling point of above 380.degree. C., and/or high-aromatic distillates from the pressure/heat treatment of coal tar pitch, having an average boiling point of above 380.degree. C., as well as from 5 to 30% of aromatic products or mixtures of aromatic products, having a boiling point of below 250.degree. C.