Essentially, a process is described for the preparation of the 1-triazolylethyl ether derivatives, defined in claim 1, of the general formula I ##STR1## which consists in (a) reacting an oxirane of the formula II ##STR2## at temperatures of -20.degree. to +100.degree. C., in the presence of an acid catalyst or an acid condensation agent, with an alcohol of the formula IIIR.sub.3 --OH (III) to give a glycol monoether of the formula IV ##STR3## and (b) subsequently reacting the glycol monoether of the formula IV or one of its esters, in the presence of an acid-binding agent or condensation agent, at temperatures of 0.degree. to 150.degree. C., with a triazole of the formula V ##STR4## the substituents R.sub.1, R.sub.2 ; amd R.sub.3 in the formula II to IV being as defined under formula I and M in formula V being hydrogen or a metal atom. The novel compounds within the scope of formula I and their use are also described.