Polyadducts/polycondensates which can be diluted with water when protonated with an acid and which contain basic nitrogen groups are obtained by the polyaddition reaction of(A) a Mannich base obtained from(a) a monophenol and/or a polyphenol,(b) one or more dialkylamines of the formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each alkyl or alkoxyalkyl, or are linked to one another to form a 5-membered or 6-membered ring, and(c) formaldehyde with(B) an epoxy resinand contain groups, which are bonded to aromatic rings, of the general formula ##STR2## and may or may not contain groups of the general formula ##STR3## where R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or alkoxyalkyl, or are linked to one another to form a 5-membered or 6-membered ring, and R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each hydrogen or methyl.These products are useful as binders for the cathodic electrocoating of metallic articles.