The invention relates to a method for producing large atmospheric pressure plasmas, wherein a DC-corona discharge is produced. Said DC-corona discharge is superimposed with intensive, short high-voltage impulses having an impulse repetition rate of between 10 Hz to more kHz. The invention also relates to an associated device for carrying out said method, which comprises a unit (1 - 5) which is used to produce a base direct current voltage and an impulse voltage which superimposes the direct current voltage, in addition to a mechanical arrangement which comprises at least two electrodes (10, 20, 30).