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Discover Schlaraffia

Getting in touch — how the first step works

Anyone interested in Schlaraffia often runs surprisingly quickly into a very practical hurdle: how do I actually make contact? Not because it’s especially complicated, but because it’s unfamiliar and you’d rather not barge in. Many people immediately think of the wrong questions: Do I have to apply? Do I already have to know whether I want to join? Do I have to write especially formally? Or even know the Schlaraffen language already?

Vignette: Kontakt aufnehmen – schreiben oder anrufen

The short answer: No.

If you’d like to get to know Schlaraffia, a plain, honest and friendly message is enough to begin. No cover letter, no résumé, no rhetorical feat. The first step is not about presenting yourself perfectly, but simply about making contact with a Schlaraffen chapter and saying openly: I’d like to take a look at this sometime.

You don’t have to craft a perfect inquiry

Many people put off a first message far too long because they think they’d have to already know the right words. But that isn’t necessary at all. Most chapters don’t expect an artfully phrased approach, but rather something quite simple:

  • Who are you, roughly?
  • How did you come across Schlaraffia?
  • Why would you like to take a look?
  • Do you live nearby, or are you regularly in the area?

At its core, nothing more is needed at first.

Getting in touch is not an application

This matters because it takes unnecessary pressure off many people. A first contact with Schlaraffia is not an application for a place, but a no-obligation inquiry about whether and how you can get to know the community. So you don’t have to know yet whether it’s something for you long-term, nor make yourself “worthy” in any way.

On the contrary: precisely because Schlaraffia is unfamiliar to many at first, it’s completely normal to approach it with an open and cautious attitude. It’s enough to be honestly curious.

What a first message should sensibly include

A good first message doesn’t have to be long. It’s plenty if it makes three things clear:

1. That you’d like to get to know Schlaraffia

That’s the core. Feel free to say directly that you came across the chapter and are interested in a first visit or in getting acquainted.

2. Where your connection comes from

For example:

  • you live nearby
  • you’re regularly in the town for work or privately
  • you came across Schlaraffia via the website, a recommendation or an article

3. That you’d be glad to hear back

Nothing more is needed for the first step.

What you don’t have to do

Just as important is what isn’t necessary:

  • You don’t have to explain why you’d be “worthy.”
  • You don’t have to use the Schlaraffen language.
  • You don’t have to know yet exactly how a Sippung runs.
  • You don’t have to send half a biography.
  • You don’t have to pretend you’re already an insider.

A short, ordinary message is usually better than an overly polished artifact.

And if there’s no reply?

See this soberly too. Schlaraffia is not a fully organized call center with guaranteed response times. Some Reyche reply very quickly, others take a little longer. Some are carried organizationally by a few individuals; some are set up better digitally than others. So if a reply doesn’t come at once, it doesn’t automatically mean your interest is unwelcome.

In such a case:

  • have a little patience at first
  • follow up politely after a reasonable time
  • if need be, check another nearby location

Honesty beats show

If you’re unsure, a simple rule helps: write honestly rather than slick. A line like “I came across your website and would like to get to know Schlaraffia sometime” is often better than an artificially inflated message that already reads like an application while you’re writing it.

Schlaraffia doesn’t depend on someone doing everything right at first contact. On the contrary: anyone who comes across as open, friendly and normal usually gives the other side exactly what it needs for a first impression.

The real purpose of the first message

The first message isn’t meant to settle everything. It’s only meant to open the way. The real impression forms later: in conversation, on a visit, in personal experience. So it’s good not to inflate the first contact unnecessarily. It’s only the first small step in a direction you can then explore further together.

The honest short version

If you’d like to get to know Schlaraffia, you don’t need a perfect inquiry. A short, friendly and honest message is enough. Say you’re interested, briefly mention your connection to the place or the topic — and ask, without obligation, about a chance to get acquainted.

The first step doesn’t need to do more than that.

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.