NOVELTY - Catalytically producing methanol from synthesis gas, comprises at least two catalyst containing reaction steps with different reaction conditions, in which the synthesis gas is respectively at least partially converted to methanol. The severity of the reaction conditions, measured based on the reaction temperature and/or the concentration of carbon monoxide in the synthesis gas, decreases from first to final reaction step in flow direction. The first synthesis gas flow traversal reaction step makes use of a first catalyst with low activity.    USE - The highly active and partially deactivated catalyst is useful in a reaction step with severe reaction conditions, preferably for catalytically producing methanol (claimed).    ADVANTAGE - The method: is robust and technically simple; and makes use of partially activated catalysts, which increases the service life of the catalysts.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Catalytically producing methanol from synthesis gas, comprises at least two catalyst containing reaction steps with different reaction conditions, in which the synthesis gas is respectively at least partially converted to methanol. The severity of the reaction conditions, measured based on the reaction temperature and/or the concentration of carbon monoxide in the synthesis gas, decreases from first to final reaction step in flow direction. The first synthesis gas flow traversal reaction step makes use of a first catalyst with low activity. The final synthesis gas flow traversal reaction step makes use of a second catalyst with high activity. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for:    (1) producing catalysts of low activity, comprises deactivating the catalysts during its use in methanol synthesis; and    (2) upgrading the existing plant for producing methanol, comprises (a) removing the catalyst in the first synthesis gas flow traversal reaction step and replacing with a catalyst having a lower activity or (b) removing the catalyst in the final synthesis gas flow traversal reaction step and replacing with a catalyst having a higher activity or (c) carrying out both the steps (a) and (b).    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a schematic representation of a plant for catalytically producing methanol. (Drawing includes non-English language text).    Compressor (2)    Heat exchanger (4)    Gas-cooled reactor (6)    Water-cooled reactor (8)    Separator (13)