A scrubbing solution is provided having an absorbent for carbon dioxide based on amines, or ethanolamines, or amino acid salts, or potash, or a combination thereof, and an additive activating the absorption rate, wherein the activating additive is a germanium dioxide. A corresponding method for accelerating the absorption of carbon dioxide is also provided, wherein a carbon dioxide-containing gas is contacted with such a scrubbing solution, wherein the carbon dioxide is physically dissolved in the scrubbing solution and is chemically absorbed with the participation of the absorbent, and wherein the germanium dioxide acts catalytically for at least one reaction step of the chemical absorption of the carbon dioxide.