Disclosed is a granulation liquid consisting of: a DPP-4 inhibitor, which has a free or primary amino group, namely 1-[(4-methylquinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-(3-(R)-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine (Linagliptin / BI-1356) and L-arginine, a binder (preferably copovidone) and a solvent or mixture of solvents (preferably water). Also disclosed is the use of the granulation liquid as defined above for the preparation of granules comprising linagliptin, and metformin hydrochloride, L-arginine, a binder and a solvent filler.