An amidine containing at least one structural unit of the formula (I) and the use thereof as catalyst for the crosslinking of a functional compound, especially of a polymer having silane groups. The amidine is preparable in a simple process from readily available starting materials, is largely odorless at room temperature and is of low toxicity. It accelerates the crosslinking of functional compounds surprisingly efficiently and can be adjusted for optimal compatibility with different compositions via the radical to which the structural units of the formula (I) is bonded, which means that such compositions do not have a tendency to migration-related defects such as separation, exudation or substrate soiling.