A world you can’t explain. But you can step into it.
Friendship · Humor · Culture — since 1859.
Schlaraffiafriends opens the door to Schlaraffia, a worldwide fellowship for art, humor and play. If you’re curious, you’re welcome to simply step in and experience it.
In short
Not an ordinary club
Schlaraffia is a worldwide fellowship for art, humor and play — founded in 1859. An evening deliberately leads you out of the everyday: through language, music, small performances, and the joy of not taking yourself too seriously.
A word to friends abroad
German is part of the game — not a barrier
Schlaraffia grew up in German, and much of its wit, its ceremony and its songs still live in that language. We won’t pretend otherwise — but the language is not a wall built to keep you out. It is part of the adventure. You don’t need perfect German to be welcome, to take part, or to feel at home. Curiosity, warmth and a good sense of humor will carry you further than any vocabulary list.
In North America especially — where German heritage and language are often cherished, and sometimes kept more alive than in Europe itself — Schlaraffia offers a rare, living place to enjoy that tradition among friends. And there is a happy side effect: by simply playing along, many people pick up German almost on their own — playfully, through laughter, song and shared ceremony rather than through textbooks. Here the game teaches the language, not the other way around.
And of course, we speak English too. For many friends of Schlaraffia — especially across North America — English is a native tongue, and no one will leave you stranded. There is always someone glad to translate a phrase, explain a custom, or simply switch to English so you can follow along and join in. You are welcome exactly as you are, in whichever language feels natural to you.
Near you and around the world
Schlaraffia near you
The local Schlaraffia chapters are called Reyche (a Reych is a single local chapter). Each is independent, yet all are connected by a shared idea of play — in many countries.
Still have questions?
A first visit is free and without obligation
Curiosity is enough. We answer common questions in one place — and you’ll find who stands behind Schlaraffiafriends under “About.”