The invention relates to a method for preparing isocyanates by phosgenating the corresponding amines, wherein low-boiling secondary components, excess phosgene, and the co-product hydrogen chloride are separated from the crude liquid isocyanate stream, which is obtained after the phosgenation has occurred, within a maximum of 60 minutes, and wherein the crude liquid isocyanate stream is not exposed to temperatures above 250° C. until said separation.