Abstract: Water-swellable hot-melt adhesives based on a tackifying resin, a water-dispersible EVA wax, an ethylene/acrylic ester copolymer, a water-soluble homo- or co-polymer and a super absorber polymer powder having an average particle size of less than 80 &mgr;m display a clearly improved swelling behavior in comparison with the prior art. Furthermore, the swelling agent is significantly more homogeneously distributed in the matrix. Such hot-melt adhesives are suitable for ensuring longitudinal water impermeability in modern cable structures, as water-swellable jointing compounds in the building industry in the area of building conservation and restoration. Such hot-melt adhesives are further suitable for the manufacture of absorbent textile fabrics in the personal hygiene sector.