Contact

Tandem-Office
Studierendenhaus (SH) 2/211
Tel +49 (0)234 32-25189
zfa-tandem@rub.de

Office hours


Information on Registration for the Summer Semester 2024

The placement of tandem partnerships will continue throughout the winter semester 2024/24, i.e. we accept registrations at any point during the semester. Nevertheless, you should know that all registrations that could not be arranged by the 14th of March 2024 will lose their validity. The placement of new registrations for the summer semester 2024 will start on the 18th of March 2024.


Please note:

To register for the tandem program, you need to have at least an A2 level of language proficency according to (CEFRL) in your target language. To obtain Credit Points, you need to have at least an B1 level of language proficiency in your target language.


Tandem Arranging Service

You can register for a Tandem Partnership by filling out and submitting this application online on your PC.

Please note:

The likelihood of getting a suitable tandem partner depends on the number of applications. Please note that we might not be able to find a tandem partner for you in some cases. The general rule is the earlier in the semester you apply, the more likely it is that we can find a suitable tandem partner for you.


Volunteers wanted!

For a research project at the Leibniz Institute for the German Language in Mannheim , we are looking for participants who

  • intend to take part in a language tandem,
  • would like to speak/learn one of the following languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian,
  • are willing to have themselves recorded in video and audio at every tandem meeting.

You do not need to prepare anything to take part in the project. You will receive a small compensation for your support. If you would like to support the research project and are willing to be recorded during your language tandem, please send a short message to gubina@ids-mannheim.de.


FAQ

Do I have to attend the introductory session?

Yes. The introductory session is obligatory for everyone who hasn't attended it in previous semesters at the Tandem Office. This event is primarily aimed at students who have already registered for a tandem partnership via the registration form and have already been placed. However, students who have not yet been placed are also welcome to attend.

The session currently takes place on Mondays from 1-2 pm and Fridays from 10-11 am via Zoom. Please register for one of these two dates at least 24 hours in advance via email: zfa-tandem@rub.de. You will then receive the link to the meeting room.

Do I have to complete a language proficiency test?

No. However, if you want to obtain credit points for your Tandem, you must submit a document which certifies language proficiency of (at least) B1 level (CEFR) in your target language. Please bring it to the Tandem Office at the beginning of your Tandem. 

How long does it take until we have found a Tandem partner for you?

It depends on the number of applications. Please note that we might not be able to find a Tandem partner for you if the language you request is rare or unusual. The general rule is the earlier in the semester you register, the more likely it is that we can find a suitable Tandem partner for you.

Can I register for more than one target language?

Yes. If you want to register for more than one language, please complete a registration form for each one.

Can I learn the same target language with several Tandem partners?

Yes. We will try to find more than one Tandem partner for you but it depends on the number of applications. You must complete a registration form for each Tandem partner you would like to learn with.

How much time should I invest in a Tandem?

Ideally, you should spend at least 2 hours per week with your partner.

When do I have to decide whether I would like to obtain Credit Points or not?

Please let us know at the beginning of your Tandem (after the introductory session) if you wish to obtain Credit Points. If you decide to obtain Credit Points at a later point, please contact Ms Enke Spänkuch as this is then decided on a case-by-case basis because obtaining Credit Points requires a substantial workload.