The invention relates to a method for machining a workpiece by means of a laser beam, wherein a laser beam is guided by a beam guiding device over the surface of the workpiece within a working window. The beam guiding device and the workpiece are arranged in such a way that they are movable relative to one another in a direction of displacement along a displacement section and that they can occupy a first and a second relative working position to one another. According to the invention, a point on the workpiece can be machined from the second relative working position, said point being located behind the point which is machined from the first relative working position when viewed in the direction of displacement.