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Tandem programme
Become a language tandem partner and learn a foreign language in a duo.
A free offer exclusively for all members of Saarland University (UdS) and UKS Homburg provided by the German language courses for international students (ISZ Saar) in cooperation with the Saarland University Language Centre (SZSB). If places are available, the service is also open for external participants. German native speakers are also welcome to participate.
To participate, you must have at least CEFR level A2 in the target language.
Want to register right away? Online-Registration
What is a tandem language exchange programme?
In a language tandem, two people with different mother tongues help each other learn the language of the tandem partner. By meeting up regularly, the tandem partners learn their language of preference in an authentic way. In the process, the tandem partners make many new cultural experiences and new contacts.
How does a tandem meeting work?
Normally the two tandem partners meet up regularly, ideally once a week. Half the time they speak in the mother language of one and then half the time in the mother language of the other. The tandem language learners decide for themselves how they want to structure the learning sessions, what subjects they want to cover and what resources or media they would like to use.
Possibilities are:
- Going to watch a film together
- Having a conversation or discussion
- Solving study problems and worksheets
- Talking about their hobbies, interests or university life
- Visiting a museum together
- Helping each other with a presentation or written assignment
- Reading and understanding a text for their university work
Which languages and which levels of proficiency are offered?
In theory, any languages can be combined. Whether we find a suitable tandem partner depends on the registrations.
Is tandem language learning the right thing for me?
Tandem learning is suitable for any language learner. However, you should at least have a basic command of your target language (i.e. the language you want to learn). If you have CEFR proficiency level A2 or higher in the target language, you can take part in our tandem programme. The tandem language exchange programme is therefore suitable for all participants in the proficiency range A2 to C1 (i.e. elementary to advanced). Learning in tandem allows you to structure what and how you learn so that learning can be matched to your needs and interests. We can help you make the most of the tandem language learning experience and – if you are interested – can provide you with some useful documents.
I still have questions about tandem learning!
If you still have a question about our tandem learning programme, feel free to email us: sprachtandem(at)uni-saarland.de
International Study Centre Saar (ISZ Saar)
Preparatory and in-sessional courses for international students
How to contact us
Please contact our department of In-sessional courses by e-mail if you have questions
- about German language and special skills courses during the semester (In-sessional courses during the semester, Short Intensive courses, German courses for doctoral students and university staff): deutschkurse(at)isz.uni-saarland.de
- about tandem language programme: sprachtandem(at)uni-saarland.de
Do you have questions about other courses offered at the ISZ Saar? Then you will find the right contact person for your request here.
If you have any questions regarding your application to the UdS or enrolment in study-preparatory DSH and VSI courses, please only contact the team of the Admissions Office (e-mail: studium(at)uni-saarland.de)