Abstract The common hydrogen-bond donors and acceptors, hydrogen-bond types, structures and strengths of hydrogen bonds in inorganic solids were discussed. The strengths of hydrogen bonds depend on both the hydrogen-bond donors and acceptors and the structural arrangement of the hydrogen bonds. In addition, the coordination of the donor and acceptor atoms X and Y and other structural effects (as synergetic, cooperative, anti-cooperative or competitive effect) and crystal packing phenomena have to be considered.