A process for preparing nitrobiphenyls of the formula I where m is 1 or 2, R is halogen R′ or OR′, where R′ is a C-organic radical which may carry groups inert under the reaction conditions, n is 0, 1, 2 or 3, and, in the case of n being 2 or 3, the radicals R are the same or different, by reacting a chloronitrobenzene of the formula II in the presence of a palladium catalyst and a base in a solvent with a phenylboronic acid (IIIa) or an alkyl ester thereof of the formula IIIb where R1 is C1-C6-alkyl, or an anhydride thereof. The compounds I are useful as precursors for biphenylamines, which in turn are intermediates for fungicidal crop protection agents.