The present invention relates to polymeric multinary azanes built up from units of the general formula [E(NR.sup.1 R.sup.2).sub.a (NR.sup.3).sub.b/2 ], wherein E may be B,Al,Ga,In,Si,Ge,Ti, Zr, Hf,V,Nb,Ta,Cr,Mo or W and R.sup.1,R.sup.2,R.sup.3 may be H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, vinyl or phenyl; methods for the preparation of these polymers and their use as precursors for high-performance ceramics.