Language tandem

To register for a language tandem, please complete the following registration form (PDF, 148.06 KB) (opens in a new window), (not accessible) and send it by email to sprachtandem​(at)​ostfalia.de (opens your email program).

Alternatively, you can register directly via our website.

It is necessary to register again each semester, even if you have already registered for the tandem programme.

Once possible tandem partners have been identified, you will be notified by email. You will then receive an invitation to the "Get Together" tandem meeting (Am Exer 11, Wolfenbüttel). There you will receive tips on language learning in tandem.

Language learning in tandem is a language exchange in which two people meet regularly to improve their language skills. One person's native language is the target language of the other. If German is your mother tongue and you would like to improve your English language skills, we will look for someone who speaks English as a mother tongue or possibly as a second language and is learning German as a foreign language.

1. Free learning
2. Flexible learning: Together with your tandem partner, you decide where and when you meet.
3. Lively learning: You improve your foreign language skills by talking to a native speaker.
4. Learning in partnership: In a tandem pair, both partners benefit and give equally.
5. Autonomous learning: You decide what, how much and how you learn. Your tandem partner supports you.
6. Intercultural learning: You not only learn the language, but also find out a lot about your partner's personality, living environment and culture.
7. Ideal complement to the language course: You can prepare and follow up on course tasks together with your tandem partner.

Language learning in tandem is partnership-based and autonomous learning in which you are responsible for your own learning goals and the associated content. However, for the tandem sessions to be successful, you and your tandem partner must adhere to the following basic rules:

1. You meet regularly (e.g. once or twice a week), preferably on a fixed date.

2. Both languages are practised separately after a predetermined time (e.g. 45 minutes per language).

3. The same amount of time is spent on each language.

4. Whoever speaks the foreign language decides what is done. The partner does not 'teach' you.

5. Whoever speaks in the mother tongue is patient, listens, helps and gives feedback.

6. Be sure to stay in the respective language - even if you don't seem to be getting anywhere. Try to paraphrase, show, draw, etc. what you want to say.

A tandem is particularly successful if you plan the collaboration properly. You should be aware of your motivation, goals and working methods and prepare and follow up the individual meetings well.

You can download a template for the preparation and follow-up (PDF, 67.65 KB) (opens in a new window), (not accessible) of your tandem meetings.

You can find topic sheets, dialogue ideas, vocabulary and grammar suggestions here (external link, opens in a new window).

You can find more information about language tandem on the Tandem Fundazioa (external link, opens in a new window) website.

Would you like to receive a Tandem certificate?

Then send us the completed learning diary (PDF, 67.65 KB) (opens in a new window), (not accessible)to sprachenzentrum​(at)​ostfalia.de. (opens your email program)

• take part in the "Get-Together" meeting at the beginning of the semester. You will receive an invitation by email after registering for the language tandem.
• meet with your tandem partner at least eight times for at least one hour.
• each meeting is documented in a learning diary.