Abstract: A transdermal therapeutic system for the release of active substances to a substrate is characterized by the structure of the system comprising a substrate (1) provided with a separating layer (2), a film layer (3) comprising the active substance, and a protective layer (4) provided with a nonstick finish, the separating layer (2) consisting of a material whose bond to the film layer (3) may be abolished. By means of printing methods, such systems having small application thickness and high flexibility can be manufactured, it being possible to provide a substrate that has been rendered adhesive as an alternative to the substrate/separating layer-complex. A printing method limiting the active substance-containing region to the application site reduces disposal problems.