Tandem Language Exchange

In a language tandem, two people with different native languages meet to improve their language skills. It's a great way to practise languages without stress, meet new people and have fun.

In a tandem, you decide how often, how long and where you meet. We recommend meeting at least once a week for 1 hour. Half of the meeting should be in one language and the other half in the other language. What you talk about is up to you: Music, leisure, study, travel, food.... It is best if you agree on a fixed weekly date right at the beginning.

Where can the tandem take place?  You can meet wherever you feel comfortable. On campus, for example, in the LUK, in an empty seminar room, in the cafeteria or café, outside in the park, etc. Of course, you can also arrange to meet virtually, for example on Zoom.

To be able to hold a conversation, you should already have a good basic knowledge of the language so that you can hold a conversation. If you are an absolute language beginner, then it is recommended that you first attend a language course, for example a language course in cooperation with the VHS here at the TUHH.

The Tandem program is open to all TUHH students.

No, unfortunately there are no credit points for participation in the language tandem.

If you have any problems or would like to change find another tandem partner, please contact us.

Your registration remains valid and we will continue to look for a suitable tandem partner. You are also welcome to check if one of our language cafés might be interesting for you.

Meeting place: Decide where you would like to meet. Choose a neutral meeting place for the first meeting to get to know each other, for example a café, the mensa, the LUK.

Regular meetings: Meet regularly. Try to set a fixed weekly appointment at the start and stick to it. We recommend one hour per week.

Switching languages: Make sure you use both languages equally. You can agree to switch after a certain time or after a topic. Ensure that the languages are practiced separately and not mixed in the same conversation.

Correcting mistakes: Constant correction can really disrupt communication and be discouraging. However, without helpful feedback, you won't learn much. Sometimes it makes sense to correct immediately, for example, by repeating the correct version of an incorrect statement. In other cases, it's better to wait and later point out the error. You should decide together how best to support each other with corrections.

Learning goals: Consider what and how you want to learn. Why do you need the language? Is your main focus on communication, or do you also want to work on your grammar? Do you want to expand your vocabulary or perhaps use a textbook? Are you interested in your language partner's culture? Share your learning goals with your tandem partner.

Learning materials: Anything that inspires or supports you can be used as learning material: be it texts, images, audio and video recordings, newspaper clippings, poems, advertisements, or games. You may not need any of this if you already have enough ideas for conversations. Helpful materials for tandem learning can be found on the Seagull website: https://www.seagull-tandem.eu/.