Abstract: Solder materials, such as a solder paste, and contact surfaces for solder connections are provided in which a metal stearate is used as a flux. The metal stearate is applied either as a solid layer on the solder particles or as contact surfaces or is present as a dispersion or solution in a binder. Advantageously, such materials allow one to avoid the use of classical fluxes. In particular, non-resin solder materials can be provided. A simplified storage and processability of the solder materials results, while at the same time producing comparatively better solder connections. The ability to use metal stearates as a flux is achieved if the first oxide of the metals used is formed from pure metal at lower oxygen activity (ao) than the first chromium oxide of chromium, preferably lower than the first titanium oxide of titanium, and if the metal stearate is present in a sufficient amount.