A method for electrochemical phosphating of metal surfaces, particularly stainless steel, in connection with cold forming of metal workpieces, which method provides the cold formed workpiece with a lubricant after phosphating, involves an electrochemical phosphating through a cathodic process applying an aqueous phosphating solution containing 0.5 to 100 g Ca.sup.2+ /l 0.5 to 100 g Zn.sup.2+ /l 5 to 100 g PO.sub.4.sup.3- /l 0 to 100 g NO.sub.3.sup.- /l 0 to 100 g ClO.sub.3.sup.- /l and 0 to 50 g F.sup.- or Cl.sup.- /l by which the temperature of the solution is between 0 and 95.degree. C., the pH-value of the solution is between 0.5 and 5, and the current density is between 0.1 and 250 mA/cm.sup.2. This gives a good lubrication effect, a good adhesion to the metal surface, particularly stainless steel, and a more expedient texture than ordinary phosphating.