The invention relates to a method for producing an isocyanate, comprising hydrogenation of an amimne-ciontaining mixture (Gi) in the presence of a copper containing hydrogenation catalyst to give a mixture (Gii) containing the amine and reacting the mixture (Gii) with phosgene to give a mixture (Gii) containing the isocyanate. The invention further relates to the isocyanate which may be produced by said method.