Abstract: There is described a process for the preparation of basic poIycondensates, which comprises(a) reacting an amine of formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are each independently of one another hydrogen or alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by amino, hydroxy, cyano or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, and A is alkylene which may be substituted or interrupted by one or more than one hetero atom, with an ammonium salt in the presence of an anhydrous solvent, and(b) reacting the protonised product obtained according to (a) with a cyanamide at elevated temperature.The polycondensates or salts thereof prepared according to this process are particularly suitable aftertreatment agents for enhancing the wetfastness properties of dyed or printed textile material.