The intercultural language partnership
- Are you learning German or another foreign language and looking for an opportunity to use your language skills?
- Do you want to practise your foreign language with a native speaker and teach somebody your native language?
- Are you interested in different countries and cultures?
- Is your proficiency level in the language you want to practise at least B1 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)?
Our language tandem programme gives you the opportunity to develop your language skills in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Arabic, Russian, Hindi, Persian, Turkish, Korean, Chinese and many other languages in one-to-one communication with a native speaker, and to gain first-hand insights into a different culture. In exchange, you'll help your tandem partner improve in your native language. Meeting up regularly and flexibly, you’ll each advance your language skills and enhance your intercultural competencies, as well as having the chance to make new friends from all over the world. A tandem partnership is completely free of charge and a lot of fun!
Come and be part of the programme!
FAQs – Language tandems
Who can take part in a language tandem?
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Anyone and everyone with some experience in an additional language who wishes to improve their skills and help others do the same in their native language. This programme is aimed at all students in Hamburg. If you are not able to hold a coherent discussion in the target language we don't recommend a language tandem.
How does a language tandem work?
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The tandem partners meet up regularly and document their meetings in a tandem diary. The partners decide in what order and for how long they speak each language. We recommend that half of the meeting time be used to speak in one language and the second half to talk in the other. Topics you might choose to discuss could be your home countries, cultural differences, or matters and events from daily life. In this way, all involved improve their skills in additional languages and gain valuable intercultural experience.
How can I register?
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You can register using our online registration form, which is activated on this page for a set amount of time at the beginning of each semester.
How long is my registration valid for?
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Your registration for the programme is valid for one semester. You will need to re-register each semester. This ensures that we can keep our tandem database as up-to-date as possible.
How do I demonstrate my skill level?
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We currently do not require people to provide offical proof of their skill level in order to participate in the programme. Please be realistic in assessing your skills so that you and your tandem partner each gain something from the tandem partnership.
I would like to participate, but my skills in the target language are not at the B1 level. Can I still sign up?
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If you are a German native speaker and want to learn a language which is not in high demand at HAW Hamburg as a target language, it is possible that you could be matched in this language if your tandem partner agrees.
This currently applies for the following languages:
- Arabic
- Farsi
- Hindi
- Indonesian
- Telugu
- Urdu
- Vietnamese
If you want to learn German and are a native speaker of a language that is in high demand among German native speakers, it is possible that you could be matched in this langauge if your tandem partner agrees.
This currently applies for the following languages:
- English (for native speakers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA)
- French
- Spanish
Do I have to list German as the target language if German is not my native language?
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You do not have to, but we recommend it because in most language tandems German is either the native language or the target language. The best idea is to list German as one of your two target languages in order to increase your chances of finding a match.
How long will it take for a language partner to be assigned to me?
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This is a matter of supply and demand. We will do our best to find a tandem partner for you within a few weeks.
What should I do if my language partner cancels our meetings without rescheduling or does not reply to my messages?
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If your partner does not respond to your attempts to contact them, please try one more time. If you don’t get a reply within a week, please email us at sprachtandems(@)haw-hamburg.de.
Can I have more than one language-tandem partner?
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It is possible to have more than one language-tandem partner, as long as all those interested in participating have already been matched in the various language combinations. If you would like to have a second tandem partner, please contact us via email and indicate which target language you would like.
Can I get a certificate for participating?
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If you submit a tandem diary at the end of the semester documenting at least 12 tandem meetings, you will receive a certificate. You can use this as proof that you have completed Component 5 of the Certificate of International Competencies.
