Uni-Tübingen

Language and Culture - Learning in teams of two for international and German students

What is special about Tandem?

With a tandem partner you can:

  • learn a language in a private and relaxed setting
  • practice a language in exchange with native speakers
  • plan your learning progress independently
  • explain your mother tongue to your partner and get to know your native language better
  • build bridges between your cultures
  • recognize and understand cultural differences and similarities
  • get to know the home country of your tandem partner
  • get in touch with people from a different country

What else is important?

Here are a few guidelines you should follow when meeting your tandem partner:

  • meet on a regular basis, preferably the same time and day each week
  • talk about your expectations and learning goals
  • use the same amount of time for both languages. In doing so, both partners benefit equally from Tandem

How to find a tandem partner?

Please fill in the tandem form online.
Alternatively, you can also come to our office hour to sign up for a tandem (see below).

(We are on holiday in August and unfortunately cannot arrange any tandem partnerships. In all other months, we will be processing applications on a weekly basis).

What happens next?

On the basis of your information, we try to find a suitable tandem partner for you. We will send you the contact details via e-mail. You'll get in touch with your partner and arrange a first meeting. Together you can decide where, when and how often you want to meet and what you want to talk about.

Which languages are people offering and which languages are they looking for? You find a current overview here

Where do I find information about Tandem?

Tandem consultation hour

Tandem consultation hours are cancelled until further notice. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at: infospam prevention@daf.uni-tuebingen.de

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tandem program?

Two people with different mother tongues form a language tandem and meet regularly to learn the other language and get to know the other culture better at the same time. Language learning in tandem can complement a language course, but can also take place independently of it.

Who can participate in the Tandem program?

Anyone can take part in the Tandem program.

What language skills do I need to participate in the Tandem program?

You should be a native speaker of the language you are offering. A language is considered a native language from language level C1/C2. Please estimate the language level of the language you are looking for yourself. A minimum level is not required.

Can I search for / offer several languages or have several tandem partners?

Yes! You must complete a separate online form for each language you are looking for or offering. Example: Would you like to learn Spanish and Chinese? Then first register in a form for the Spanish language. In a second form, you register for the other language, in this case Chinese. Please note, however, that you could receive a tandem partner for each registration. It is therefore possible to have several tandem partners, but only register for the number of tandems that you can manage in terms of time.

Will I receive a confirmation email after registering online?

No confirmation e-mail will be sent after online registration. You are automatically included in the system.

How long do I have to wait for a Tandem partner?

We will of course try to find a suitable Tandem partner for you as quickly as possible. Waiting times vary depending on the desired language and restrictions such as gender or age. At the top of this page you will find a regularly updated list of requests and offers for many Tandem languages.

What happens if my Tandem partner is no longer available or no longer has time?

Please send us an e-mail if you no longer want to or can no longer participate in the program. We will then remove your name from our database.

What if I no longer want to or can no longer take part in the program?

Please send us an e-mail if you no longer want to or can no longer participate in the program. We will then remove your name from our database.

What do I do if I don't get on with my Tandem partner?

If there are difficulties between you and your Tandem partner, please send us an e-mail. We will try to find a new partner for you. You do not have to give a reason. 

Can I get ECTS points or a certificate?

No, the Tandem program is voluntary and independent of university credits.

More questions - more answers ...

Here you can find more questions and answers.