What do I write to a Schlaraffen chapter?

Many interested people don’t fail for lack of interest, but at a very small, very human hurdle: they don’t know how to word the first message. You don’t want to come across as too stiff or too flippant, neither like an applicant nor like someone randomly clicking through club pages. The good news: you don’t need a perfect template for this. A normal, friendly and honest message is entirely enough.

Still, it often helps to see a few examples — not to copy them blindly, but to get a feel for how uncomplicated a first contact is allowed to be.

A rule of thumb first: short, friendly, open

A first message to a Schlaraffen chapter doesn’t have to be long. It only needs to do three things:

briefly say why you’re writing
make your interest in getting acquainted clear
include a friendly question about a chance to visit or a first contact

For a start, nothing more is usually needed.

Example 1 — the cautious inquirer

Hello, I came across Schlaraffia through your website and find the idea very interesting. Since I’d like to learn more and take a calm look at it in person, I wanted to ask whether a no-obligation visit is possible in principle.
I’d be glad to hear back from you. Kind regards

Why this message works:

it’s short
it clearly says what it’s about
it doesn’t pretend you already know everything
it signals honest interest without grand gestures

Example 2 — the inquirer with a local connection

Hello, I live near [town] and, while looking for new cultural and community leisure activities, came across your Schlaraffen chapter. So far I only know Schlaraffia in broad outline, but I’d like to get to know it better and form my own impression.
If visits are possible for interested people, I’d be glad to hear back. Best wishes

Why this message works:

it briefly explains the local connection
it makes clear that no prior knowledge is required
it words the wish to get acquainted very naturally

Example 3 — the inquirer who has already read up

Hello, over the past few days I’ve read up on Schlaraffia a bit more closely and find the combination of friendship, humor and culture especially appealing. I’d therefore like to get to know your chapter better and ask whether there’s a way, in principle, to make a first visit.
I’d be glad to hear back from you. Best regards

Why this message works:

it shows genuine interest without seeming slick
it doesn’t sound like an application
it stays open and non-committal

What you don’t have to write

At least as important is what you can spare yourself:

half a life story
justifications for why you might be “suitable”
artificially Schlaraffic phrasing
exaggerated courtesy rituals
trying to seem especially original in the very first paragraph

A first message is not an essay contest.

What you can add if it makes sense for you

Sometimes an extra sentence is helpful, for example:

if you’re only rarely in the region
if you commute for work
if you came across the chapter through a particular article or website
if you already know a friend or acquaintance in Schlaraffia

But even then, the rule holds: better brief and honest than overloaded.

And if you’re nervous after sending the message

That’s normal. After all, you don’t write to a Schlaraffen chapter every day. Just try not to fight that nervousness with over-wording. The first message doesn’t have to be perfect. It only has to be understandable and friendly.

If no reply comes after a while, you can follow up briefly and politely later. That’s completely legitimate too.

The honest short version

A first message to a Schlaraffen chapter may be unspectacular. Simply say you’d like to get to know Schlaraffia, briefly mention your connection to the place or the topic, and ask friendly about a chance for a first contact or visit.

Nothing more is needed to begin.

Next step

Common questions

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.

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.

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.