A process for preparing toluene derivatives of the formula I, ##STR00001## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1 C.sub.6-alkyl, hydroxyl or C.sub.1 C.sub.6-alkoxy, by hydrogenating benzaldehydes and/or benzyl alcohols of the formula II, ##STR00002## with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, which is described in more detail in the description.