This thesis deals with the application of the borrowing hydrogen methodology for the synthesis and activation of amines. The borrowing hydrogen principle combines dehydrogenation, chemical transformation and finally, re-hydrogenation in one reaction. Applying this concept, alcohols and amines were used for the selective alkylation of indoles either in N- or C-3-position. Additionally, a homogeneously catalyzed synthesis of primary amines by the amination of alcohols with ammonia was developed. In a further step, a novel and improved catalyst was developed which allowed for an expansion of the substrate scope. Furthermore, the borrowing hydrogen methodology was used for the deuteration of tertiary amines and the splitting of secondary and tertiary amines with ammonia yielding primary amines. Finally, we studied the copper-catalyzed transamidation of amides by amines.