The invention relates to hydrophilic, highly swellable polymers for aqueous fluids, e.g. superabsorbants, which are coated with reactive, water-insoluble, film-forming, hydrophobic polymers and an additional reactive constituent which can react with carboxyl groups of carboxylate anions and form additional cross-links on the particle surface. The invention also relates to the production of superabsorber thus coated and their use in hygiene articles used to absorb body fluids. The products obtained by coating highly swellable, hydrophilic, insoluble polymers with reactive, water-insoluble, film-forming, hydrophobic polymers and an additional reactive component are characterized in that their absorption speed cam be adjusted in an controlled manner extended area according to the type and amount of reactive, water-insoluble, film-forming, hydrophobic polymers used in the coating and according to process engineering conditions chosen for said coating.