tips
How to find a German tandem partner (and keep it going)
2026-10-02
A tandem is a language exchange: you help someone with your language, and they help you with German. It's free, it's social, and it gets you speaking with a real person, which is what most learners need most.
Here's where to find a partner, how to start, and how to keep it from turning into a nice chat in English.
Where to find a tandem partner
Online
- Tandem and HelloTalk are apps made for language exchange. You create a profile, say which languages you speak and which you're learning, and message people. Many users are in Germany, so you can also meet in person later.
- University tandem programs: if you study, your university's language center or international office often runs a tandem matching program. Some are open to non-students too.
- Local groups on social media and forums: search for "Sprachtandem" or "Tandempartner" plus your city.
In person
- Sprachcafés and Stammtische: many cities have regular language meetups in bars, cafés or libraries. A Stammtisch is a regular meeting at the same place and time. Search for "Sprachcafé" or "Language Exchange" plus your city.
- The Volkshochschule and libraries: many host conversation groups or have a board with tandem requests.
- Your own network: coworkers, neighbors, people from your sports club. Someone who wants to practice English, Spanish or Arabic may be closer than you think.
Your first message
Keep it short, friendly and specific. For example:
Hallo! Ich bin Sara, ich komme aus Brasilien und wohne seit drei Monaten in Köln. Ich lerne Deutsch (A2) und kann dir mit Portugiesisch oder Englisch helfen. Hast du Lust auf ein Tandem? Vielleicht einmal pro Woche, online oder in einem Café?
(Hi! I'm Sara, I'm from Brazil and have lived in Cologne for three months. I'm learning German (A2) and can help you with Portuguese or English. Would you like to do a tandem? Maybe once a week, online or in a café?)
Useful sentences for your profile and messages:
- Ich lerne seit ... Deutsch. I've been learning German for ...
- Mein Niveau ist ungefähr A2. My level is about A2.
- Ich suche jemanden zum Sprechen. I'm looking for someone to talk to.
- Hast du Lust auf ein Treffen? Do you feel like meeting up?
- Wann hast du Zeit? When are you free?
How to structure a tandem meeting
The most common problem with tandems: after ten minutes, you're both speaking the language that's easier, usually English. A simple structure prevents that.
- Split the time 50/50. For example, 30 minutes German, then 30 minutes in your partner's language. Use a timer.
- Pick a topic in advance. Weekend plans, your job, a news story, a recipe. A topic gives you something to say and words to prepare.
- Agree on corrections. Do you want to be corrected in the middle of a sentence, or at the end? Many people like a short list of their mistakes at the end.
- Write things down. Keep a note on your phone for new words and phrases your partner uses. Review them after the meeting.
Asking for help in German
These sentences keep the conversation in German, even when you get stuck:
- Wie sagt man ... auf Deutsch? How do you say ... in German?
- Kannst du das bitte wiederholen? Can you repeat that, please?
- Kannst du ein bisschen langsamer sprechen? Can you speak a little more slowly?
- Was bedeutet ...? What does ... mean?
- Habe ich das richtig gesagt? Did I say that correctly?
- Kannst du mich bitte korrigieren? Can you correct me, please?
Keeping it going
- Same time, same place. A fixed weekly slot makes it a habit, not something you have to plan every time.
- Be a good partner too. Prepare a little for your partner's half. A tandem only lasts if both people get something out of it.
- It's okay to try several partners. Not every match works. If the chemistry or the schedule isn't right, say thank you and keep looking.
- Safety first: when you meet someone from an app for the first time, meet in a public place like a café or library, and tell a friend where you are.
Prepare between meetings
A tandem is the place to use German. Learning the words happens before and after. Save the new words from each meeting to your word library so they come back as flashcards. When your partner says something you don't fully understand, paste it into the sentence explainer afterwards. And to always have something new to talk about, try our 5 words a day email: five words, one of which you can use in your next meeting.
Viel Spaß beim Tandem!