With a method for discharging slag from a water bath of a reactor for synthesis gas production, whereby the slag is brought to a lower pressure level by means of a transfer container, a solution is supposed to be created, with which the components connected with transferring the slag out are subject to a low temperature, whereby immediate slag transfer without water exchange is supposed to be made possible, with a minimal required cooling power. This is accomplished in that a cooling water stream is passed to the slag stream in the outlet region of the slag from the water bath of the gas generator or the pressurized container that surrounds it, in a region having a greater cross-section than the cross-section of the entry connector of another system part, such as, for example, the transfer container, in such a manner that temperature stratification in the outlet region is made possible.