Tandem Language Learning

Table of contents

1. 1. 1. Tandem Language Learning - What is it?
      2. How Do I Find a Tandem Partner at TU Dresden?
      3. First Meeting With Tutors
      4. For Guests
      5. Tandem Language Learning Online
      6. Any Questions?

Tandem Language Learning - What is it?

Learning languages in a tandem means that two people with different native languages work together to systematically learn with and from each other. For example, if you want to improve your French, you can work with a person whose native language is French and who is learning your native language, either in addition to your
language course or completely independent from it. For example, you meet for 2 hours once a week and you speak each language for 1 hour. As far as your foreign language is concerned, you decide what and how work is done. In the other language you are available to your partner as an authentic speaker.

Tandem language learning

• is free and usually very effective. Students who want to learn each other's native language work together regularly as tandem partners - usually 2 hours per week, 1 hour for each language;

• combines learning with real communication: no matter what the two partners talk about and in what language - at least one of them is always learning;

• is partnership learning: in a tandem pair, both partners benefit and give equally (principle of reciprocity);

• is autonomous learning: each of the two partners decides what, how much and how he/she learns - the help of the other person is always available;

• is intercultural learning: one usually learns not only the language, but also a lot about the person, the living environment and the culture of the partner

• optimally complements any language course - course tasks can be prepared or followed up together.

How Do I Find a Tandem Partner at TU Dresden?

Students who are looking for a tandem partner for their target language and are willing to teach their own native language fill out the registration form in the Moodle tandem area . To access, you will need to log in to the platform with your TUD login. After logging in, click on the "Tandem" course area and enroll in the tandem course (without an access password). In the tandem course you will find the registration for your tandem search.  
As soon as a suitable tandem partner has been found, you will receive an invitation from our tutors for a first meeting.

Placements only take place during the lecture period, not during semester breaks. All data is being deleted after each semester - if you would like a new placement in the next semester, you need to enter your data again.

First Meeting With Tutors

At a first meeting in the MSZ, the tandem pairs get to know each other and receive advice from one of our tutors with guidance and tips for effective tandem learning.
The date for the first tandem meeting will be suggested to you via e-mail. The meeting place is the MSZ, Zellescher Weg 22, 2nd floor.

For Guests

Not a TUD student - but your native language is English, French, Italian, Spanish or Portuguese?

The tandem service is for students of the TU Dresden. We make exceptions for native speakers of the languages mentioned. Since you cannot register via Moodle form without a TUD login, please contact the tandem service via email:
Please mention
- your native language and your target language
- your age
- your field of activity
- your hobbies/interests
The tandem team will then suggest a suitable tandem partner to you.

Tandem Language Learning Online

If you would like to work in tandem with a distant partner via the internet, then check out Seagull.
This is a comprehensive platform for tandem learning with tips, materials and links for different languages, developed by several partner universities as part of a European project.

TandemCity: Everything about language and cultural exchange
A great portal with information and materials not only about tandem language learning. It was created as a training center for teachers and developed materials for language and cultural exchanges around the world. For example, you can find a collection of free downloadable tandem materials.

There are several portals that mediate online tandem partners, e.g.

• Tandem App This app offers a basic service for free, but most features can only be used with registration and after paying a license fee.
• TandemPartners A free service for finding a tandem partner. You have to register on the website.

Any Questions?

Further questions about tandem learning will be answered by
→ the tandem team at the MSZ via e-mail:
     Zellescher Weg 22, 2nd floor, Tel. 463 31649
→ Ms. Neuhoff at the MSZ, Zellescher Weg 22, Room 19, Tel. 463 31645,
    please via e-mail: