3(4),7(8)-bis(aminomethyl)bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane and a process for its preparation, wherein bicyclo[4.3.0]nona-3,7-diene is reacted with synthesis gas in a homogeneous organic phase in the presence of transition metal compounds of Group VIII of the Periodic Table containing complex-bound organophosphorus compounds, and excess organophosphorus compound, at temperatures of 70 to 160° C. and pressures of 5 to 35 MPa, and the 3(4),7(8)-bisformylbicyclo[4.3.0]nonane thus obtained is reductively aminated.