TiAlN coatings are presently state-of-the art for severe cutting applications. Further improvement of these coatings can be achieved by multilayer architectures in combination with other layer materials. The aim of this diploma thesis is thus to develop, characterize and evaluate multilayer arrangements consisting of TiAlN and CrAlN layers with different chemical composition and layer thicknesses. A cathodic arc evaporation facility was used for deposition. The coatings are deposited with 10, 30, 100, 300 nm layer thicknesses. The morphology, chemical composition and microstructure of the coatings were investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Mechanical properties were evaluated by nanoindentation, scratch testing, tribological and milling tests. In addition, the thermal stability of the coatings was characterized by annealing experiments. An optimum in hardness and milling applications was obtained for multilayers with 10 nm layer thickness and high Al contents in the TiAlN layers, whereas the Al content in the CrAlN layers shows only a minor effect.