The invention relates to a hydrophilically modified multifunctional amine AC which has more than one primary amino group per molecule, and at least one group per molecule derived from the reaction of an epoxide group with a reactive group selected from the group consisting of secondary amino groups >NH, hydroxyl groups —OH, mercaptan groups —SH, amide groups —CO—NHR, where R can be hydrogen or an alkyl group having from one to twelve carbon atoms, hydroxyester groups, and acid groups, particularly carboxyl groups —COOH, sulphonic acid groups —SO3H, and phosphonic acid groups —PO3H2, and preferably, also moieties which are compatible with an epoxy resin, as well as a process for its preparation, and a method of use thereof.