[en] Variably deformed granitoids with Devonian, Carboniferous and Permian formation ages, commonly termed 'Variscan granitoids', are widespread in the basement units of the eastern Alps. Many of them are I-type ( volcanic-arc-type) tonalites and granodiorites and were, thus, considered to be related to the Palaeotethys subduction system located along the southern Variscan fold belt flank. However, the issue could be more complicated. New geochronological and geochemical research over the past twenty years has shown that the Variscan I-type granitoids in the Eastern Alps are not cogenetic but form separate plutonic provinces, that were magmatically active at different times. Single granite-forming events likely reflect different tectonic/ geodynamic stages during the evolution of the Variscan orogen. (authors)