Three different approaches for metal to ceramic brazing are compared using the example of Si3N4/TiN-steel joints: the use of an active filler metal (single layer brazing system), the metallisation of the ceramic and brazing with a non active filler (two-layer brazing system), the use of a composite brazing filler system (three layer brazing system). Different aspects are analysed: the development of the joint's microstructure in the as-brazed state, the thermally induced residual stresses and the resulting bend strength of the joint's strength.