Abstract: A process for pretreating cellulosic textile, which comprises the steps of: (a) treating cellulosic textile with a solution of polymer or copolymer obtainable by (a1) polymerization or copolymerization of N-vinylamide of the general formula I where R is selected from hydrogen and C1-C10-alkyl, and (a2) partial hydrolysis if appropriate, (b) optionally drying the treated textile, and (c) optionally saponifying all or some of the amide groups, wherein at least one of the steps (a2) and (c) is carried out.