The present invention relates to phenylethers of formula (I) or their agriculturally acceptable salts or derivatives, wherein the variables are defined according to the description, processes and intermediates for preparing the phenylethers of formula (I), compositions comprising them and their use as herbicides, i.e. for controlling harmful plants, and also a method for controlling unwanted vegetation which comprises allowing a herbicidal effective amount of at least one phenylether of formula (I) to act on plants, their seed and/or their habitat.