Good to know
Common questions
What is Schlaraffia, in simple terms?
A worldwide fellowship for art, humor and play, founded in 1859. Men gather for cheerful evenings with talks, music, and a tongue-in-cheek game of roles and language.
Do I have to become a member if I just stop by once?
No. A first visit as a guest is free and without obligation. Whether you come back is entirely up to you.
How does a visit work?
You come as a guest, listen and watch. The evening — the Sippung (the ceremonial gathering) — has a set, humorous framework with artistic contributions. You’re not expected to perform.
What does Schlaraffia cost?
A guest visit is free and without obligation. For membership dues and formalities, the individual Reych (the local chapter) will inform you directly.
Do I have to perform something?
No. Contributions are welcome but voluntary. As a guest, you’re free to simply listen.
Is Schlaraffia a club, a secret society, or something else?
Schlaraffia is a registered fellowship — not a secret society. The local chapters are legally associations; the shared game gives them their special character.
Why is the language sometimes unusual?
Its own vocabulary is part of the playful spirit. We explain the important words in the glossary — you don’t need to know them beforehand.
What is a Reych, a Sippung, an Einritt?
A Reych is a local Schlaraffia chapter, a Sippung is its ceremonial evening, and an Einritt is the admission of a new member. More in the glossary.
Is Schlaraffia only for older gentlemen?
No. Schlaraffia is open to adult men of any age who enjoy friendship, humor and culture.
How do I find a location near me?
Through “Find Schlaraffia”: there the locations are organized by country.
Is there Schlaraffia outside of Germany, too?
Yes. Schlaraffia exists in many countries worldwide — in Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.
Can women take part?
Schlaraffia is a men’s fellowship. We explain openly what that means on the page “Schlaraffia and women.”
Do politics, religion or business interests play a role at Schlaraffia?
No — at least not as the purpose or defining theme of the shared evening. Schlaraffia deliberately does not see itself as a political, religious or business association. Party politics, religious or ideological disputes, and professional self-interest are not meant to set the tone. At its heart are friendship, humor, art, wit and community.
How do I write to a Schlaraffen chapter if I’m just curious?
You don’t need to craft a perfect message. A short, friendly and honest note is plenty. Just write that you came across the chapter, would like to get to know Schlaraffia, and would be glad to hear back about a possible visit. A first message doesn’t need to do more than that.
Do I have to commit to anything for a first visit?
No. A first visit is precisely there to get to know Schlaraffia in the first place. You don’t commit to membership or to any further steps. Only once you sense, after several impressions, that the community really interests you does the question of a further path arise.
What happens if, after the first visit, I realize it’s not for me?
Then that’s completely fine. That’s exactly what the no-obligation getting-acquainted period is for. Schlaraffia is not a duty but an invitation to meet. If, after one or several visits, you feel the form, the people or the atmosphere don’t suit you, you owe no justification.
How long does the Pilger (pilgrim) or getting-acquainted period usually take?
The getting-acquainted period generally follows a set sequence. As a rule, an interested visitor first attends Schlaraffia three times as a Pilger (“pilgrim” — a guest on the path toward membership). If there is basic interest on both sides afterward, six further visits follow as a Prüfling (a candidate under consideration). Only then does the question of admission arise. So typically it’s about nine visits before possible admission. Importantly, this time is not a formality but a genuine, mutual getting-acquainted period: the visitor checks whether Schlaraffia, the people and the particular chapter truly suit him — and the chapter, in turn, considers whether the fit feels right, humanly and culturally.