Gautschen – A Soaked-in-Tradition Rite of the Printing Trade

17.07.25

Anyone who is active in the world of printing will sooner or later come across a term that may sound a bit puzzling at first: Gautschen. What sounds like a relic from a bygone era is actually a tradition of the printing trade that has been passed down through generations and is proudly preserved to this day – including here at Gutenberg AG. At the beginning of July, our graduates from the printing industry this year – Nina (Polygrapher FZ) and Vivian (Media Technologist Offset FZ– are ceremoniously «gegautscht». But what exactly is this all about? Where does this custom come from – and what is the significance of the so-called «Gautsch letter»?

Where does it come from?

The term «Gautschen» originally comes from papermaking: freshly made, still-damp sheets of paper were transferred to felt using light pressure—which was called «Gautschen»—and then drained in a press before being hung to dry. The term originally meant pressing water out of the paper.

Presumably, the reference to water is the link to the ancient printing tradition, whose origins date back to the 16th century during the time of Gutenberg. In the printing industry, the «Gautschen» stands for a traditional initiation ritual: After successful completion of the apprenticeship – today, for example, as Offset printer, Digital printer or Polygrapher – the graduates are placed on a wet sponge, doused with water, and immersed in a fountain. The ceremonial initiation ritual, reminiscent of medieval guild customs, is performed by the so-called «Gautschmeister» and sealed with a kind of baptismal certificate – the artfully crafted "Gautschbrief" (Gautsch letter). This confirms acceptance into the printing industry community – traditional companions to food, drink and good humor.

Why is this ritual performed?

Today, Gautschen is more of a «humorous» initiation ritual than a strict guild obligation. Nevertheless, it carries a serious meaning: it marks the successful completion of an apprenticeship and the transition into a professional role as a fully qualified specialist in the printing trade. Originally, it was a cleansing ritual for printer and typesetter apprentices who had finished their training. The custom was meant to symbolically wash away the «sins of apprenticeship»—especially the «lead dust»—which stood for all the beginner’s mistakes, uncertainties, and mishaps the trainees had experienced during their education.

The «Gautschbrief» (Gautsch letter) – the official graduation certificate

After the ceremony, the newly trained person receives the so-called «Gautschbrief» (certificate of initiation into the «venerable profession of the printing industry»). It is a memento and a testament to membership in a centuries-old craft. But the «Gautschbrief» has greater significance than some might suspect.

In some printing companies, including ours at Gutenberg AG, the «Gautschbrief» is valued as important proof of craftsmanship and is even required for anyone seeking a new start in the industry. If an applicant cannot provide the «Gautschbrief», some companies may require the «Gautschbrief» to be obtained later.

Gautschen 2025

At Gutenberg AG, this tradition is consciously maintained – but not indiscriminately. Only graduates from the printing department, i.e., those who work directly with ink, paper, and technology, are getting «gegautscht». Graduates from the reception or digital media department do not participate in this custom—which does not mean they are less valued. Rather, this demonstrates respect for the historical origins of the ritual. It's not about exclusion, but rather about consciously continuing a specialized tradition.

This year, Nina, who successfully completed her training as a Polygrapher, and Vivian, who successfully completed his apprenticeship as a media technologist, were ceremoniously honored. We wish you all the best for your future endeavors – stay curious, courageous, and open to new challenges.

«Gautschen» is more than just a boozy spectacle—it's a living craft tradition, a celebration of identity, and a sense of community. In a time of rapid change, it's good to consciously pass on certain values and rituals. For us at Gutenberg AG, «Gautschen» is therefore not a relic of bygone days, but an expression of our pride in the printing trade—and a warm welcome to our professional world.