<p>The present invention relates to a process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-difluoromethyl-5-hydroxypyrazoles, which are valuable intermediates for the production of fungicides: i. e. Process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-difluoromethyl-5-hydroxypyrazoles of the formula (I) in which R1 is a linear or branched C1-C6-alkyl group, comprising the reaction of alkyl difluoroacetoacetates of the formula (II) in which R2 is a linear or branched C1-C6-alkyl group, with alkylhydrazines of formula (III) NH2-NH-R1 (III) in the presence of an organic acid and of a solvent.</p>
