The invention relates to amphiphilic compounds of the general formula I ##STR1## with at least two hydrophilic and at least two hydrophobic groups based on alkoxylated amines and/or alkoxylated fatty acid amides and di-, oligo- or polycarboxylic acids (spacer A). Y and Z are hydrogen or functional groups. The amphiphilic compounds according to this invention are usually surface-active and are suitable as emulsifiers, demulsifiers, detergents, dispersants and hydrotropes in industry and domestically, for example in the areas of metal processing, ore production, surface treatment, washing and cleaning hard surfaces, such as, for example, the manual cleaning of crockery, washing and cleaning skin and hair, cosmetics, medicine and food processing and preparation.