__As a global language exchange app__, we’ve made it our mission to create *the* platform for language learners to connect with one another.

That’s why - when we discovered that Tandem members were looking for a way to connect beyond the traditional 1-1 format – we decided to build something totally new. Something that would blow the doors open to our community and enable connection like never before.

After months of researching, testing and developing, we landed on a feature. Little did we know how big its impact would be!

This is the story of Language Parties: past, present and future. 

<h2>Where did we come from?</h2>

Since our app hit stores almost 8 years ago, we’ve been committed to growing our online language learning community from the ground up.

People from all over the world have come to us with suitcases full of dreams: to finally meet someone from Brazil; to get to intermediate Swedish before they move to Stockholm for work; to speak at least 100 words of Mandarin before the end of the year.

__It’s been beautiful to watch. In that time, our community has grown to over 20 million members – and we’ve added no fewer than 300 languages along the way.__

But while we’ve worked hard to hone our craft, ensuring the best possible experience for people to learn through 1-1 chats and calls, we’ve also felt something was missing.

You see - everyone is different. While some prefer a more intimate environment to improve their skills, some are better suited to larger scale environments. They find groups to be a more dynamic and supportive way to learn.

__Over the last three years, with the pandemic only increasing people’s interest in online language learning, the feedback about groups came through louder and clearer than ever before__.

So we got workshopping!

<h2>What did we do?</h2>

Test, test, test.

It was all very well knowing that our members wanted to communicate in groups - but what did that really mean?

The thing is - groups come in many shapes and sizes. Old school Facebook communities; Reddit-style forums; WhatsApp private chats… What would the right kind of group look like for Tandem?

We spent months trying out different formats, speaking to our community about them, adjusting them, re-testing them. 

Finally, after a whole summer of research, one idea emerged strongest of all. We didn’t have a name for it yet, but it seemed like it could be the answer to our questions. A space where our members would be able to connect with each other in a brand new social format.

__We launched our first version in January 2022, and called it Language Parties.__

The rest is history.

<h2>Where are we now?</h2>

Language Parties have been live for a year now, and we’re thrilled to say our community absolutely loves them.

Tandem members from all walks of life are hopping into Parties to share stories, play games, sing karaoke and - most importantly - learn from each other. 

__The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: over 80% of our members claim they improve their speaking and listening skills faster inside Parties. 80%!__

There have been challenges along the way, of course. Passionate community members are bound to have passionate conversations!

That’s why we wrote the [Language Parties Guidelines](https://www.tandem.net/blog/language-parties-guidelines). We wanted to make sure the rules of engagement in Parties were as clear as possible, and ensure everyone was using the platform to have positive, productive discussions.

(It goes without saying that if you ever come across something that makes you feel uneasy, we encourage you to report the person or send us an email at support@tandem.net.) 

Language Parties are by no means the finished product, but we really hope we’ve taken a step in the right direction. Which brings us to…

<h2>Where are we going next?</h2>

We are so very excited about what’s to come!

Although we don’t want to make huge promises, what you can expect is a whole load of features that make Language Parties even more focused on the ‘Language’. 

We want to empower Hosts to create fun, educational events, and also give Listeners (participants who might still be plucking up the courage to talk) the opportunity to get involved.

__We’ll also be releasing a string of core improvements to how the platform works. You’ll soon be able to view members’ profiles properly from within the Party, and you’ll also (finally!) have the ability to minimize the Party when you want to do other things on Tandem.__

That’s not to mention some even bigger plans we have in the distant future… (Spoiler alert: Tandem’s about to get even more social!)

Our roadmap is like a bustling highstreet at rush hour, and we’re really thankful for your patience as we work hard to make all the right things happen for you.

<h2>Final word</h2>

Don’t get us wrong - __we still truly believe in the power of 1-1 communication__ when it comes to finding rhythm, consistency and long term gains in your language learning journey. 1-1 communication is, and always will be, the solid foundation on which our app is built.

__But what we’ve learned from the launch of Language Parties is that ALL sorts of learners are able to benefit from a more dynamic approach to learning.__ Unlike real life Parties, which can be daunting to those who consider themselves more introverted, Language Parties are proving to be the perfect way for the camera-shy among us to get involved. 

With no video, no pressure to speak and a community of supportive language enthusiasts at your fingertips, Language Parties are the perfect way for you to kickstart your language learning story.

__So what are you waiting for? [Jump into a Party today](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP?fallback=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.tandem.net%2Fen%2Fsignup) and meet the native speakers who will help you get to the next level.__

<br>
*Written by Lazlo Barclay, Product Manager at Tandem*


Preview Three Devices

Parties image CTA

Get the Tandem app, join a Party, and connect with native speakers like never before!

As a global language exchange app, we’ve made it our mission to create the platform for language learners to connect with one another. This is the story of Language Parties: past, present and future. 

Language Parties Hero Image small

Tandem App | The Story of Language Parties

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Language Parties blog preview image

The Story of Tandem Language Parties

__As a global language learning community__, we have given ourselves three guiding Community Principles:

1. We are here to learn

2. We celebrate our diversity

3. We share generously

Language Parties embody these principles. They enable members of our community from all walks of life to get together, share stories and learn from each other - all at the tap of a button. 

It’s wonderful - 99% of the time. The other 1% - things can happen that make us feel uncomfortable. 

That’s what these guidelines are for. Their purpose is to clarify what the Community Principles mean when we meet each other in Language Parties, and specifically what content, topics and behaviour we accept and do not accept.

Knowing the guidelines should help understand when you are seeing something or someone acting against them. When you see this happen, please report the offender as soon as possible. Your report will stay anonymous and our Community Safety Team will take the necessary action.

Enough preamble - let’s begin!

……………………………….……………………………….

<H2>Content</H2>

_This refers to the subject of conversation in a Language Party as well as its title and description._

Tandem is a community to learn languages. For that reason, there are three different categories for content based on direct relevance to language learning: “Red”, “Amber” and “Green” topics.

<H3> 🔴 Red Topics</H3>
These topics are never, ever OK in our community: 

- Pornographic or sexually explicit material
- Child endangerment or sexualisation
- Incitation of hateful or extremist behavior
- Promoting acts of self harm or suicide
- Begging or seeking financial donation
- Violating intellectual property (playing an audio book or copyrighted music/material)
- Harmful misinformation
- Dating
- Slander towards other members or Tandem employees

Additionally, we don't allow the following topics:
- Politics (including but not limited to contentious political situations, identity politics)
- Religion

<H3> 🟠 Amber Topics</H3>

Sometimes we want to talk about these topics, but must be very careful when doing so:

- Race and ethnicity
- Ethics and philosophy
- Relationships

Hosts planning to create Parties with Amber Topics should be extremely careful to ensure that the conversation stays healthy, respectful and productive. More on that later in the sections on __Behavior__ and __Host pointers__.</i>

<H3> 🟢 Green Topics</H3>

- Language learning focused Parties
- Cultural exchange
- Games and quizzes
- Singalongs and other creative activities

Our guidance is simple: Keep to the Green Topics. That will help us keep Tandem focused on language learning, cultural exchange, and topics that unite us rather than divide us.

Parties that don’t make Tandem a better place will be shut down, and our Community Safety Team will always err on the side of caution. If you feel your Party was unfairly closed or your account unfairly banned, you can appeal by sending a detailed message to __support@tandem.net__.

<b>“Safe space” Parties</b>

A quick word on “safe space” Parties: Various communities feel more comfortable when they keep a space entirely to themselves, but explicitly excluding people with titles like “Only for [group]” or “No [group] allowed” is not in line with the inclusivity and openness we live in our community.

<b>Promotional activities</b>

Unless you are an official Tandem partner, it is not allowed to promote or sell a commercial product or service on Language Parties. We also prohibit including links to social platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram in the title or description to your Party.

……………………………….……………………………….

<H2>Behavior</H2>

A healthy conversation happens when people listen, learn and show respect to each other - even when they have totally different beliefs and opinions. In our community we don’t tolerate behavior that gets in the way of a healthy conversation.

<H3>Discrimination and hate speech</H3>

Don’t incite hatred or discriminate against people based on race, ethnicity, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodivergence or age. This covers, but is not limited to, slurs, insults, and conspiracies. Members who display or promote hateful behavior will be banned from our community.

<H3>Bullying</H3>

Don’t bully anyone, ever. That means targeting an individual and being consistently rude towards them, or encouraging others to do the same.

<H3>Mobbing</H3>

Don’t gang up on other community members, whether seriously or as a joke. Don’t mass report other members to catch the attention of community moderators either. One report per person is just fine. Those engaging in coordinated “report attacks” and other abuses of the report functionality will be banned from our community.

<H3>Trolling</H3>

Don’t troll or disrupt Parties by making loud noises, playing loud audio or making abusive statements.

<H3>Interruption and poor conversational etiquette</H3>

You may be extremely excited to give your opinion on a certain topic, but it is not OK to constantly interrupt others. Please also be mindful of monopolizing the conversation, and talking over others. We’re here to listen and learn from each other - always patiently wait your turn.

……………………………….……………………………….

<H2>Host pointers</H2>

As the host of a Language Party, you play a very important part in all of this. You are the person who is responsible for keeping the Party safe and friendly - and in line with the guidelines on content and behavior above.
These pointers should help you ensure your Parties are always set up for success.

<H3>Write a positive, honest title</H3>

Let’s keep Tandem a welcoming place focused on language learning. Write a clear, positive and honest title that directly reflects the conversation you want to have when the Party goes live. Once it’s live - stick to the topic as best you can!

<H3>Keep it welcoming and accessible</H3>

Make it easy for people to get involved in your Party. Imagine you created a Party with the title “Speak like a British gentleman”, but have since moved on to talk about the Serengeti national park in Africa. It may be crystal clear to you and the speakers how you got from one topic to the other - but for people who just joined as listeners it might be quite confusing. Providing regular updates for context and welcoming new arrivals will make the Party feel accessible to as many new participants as possible.

<H3>Inclusivity and participation</H3>

As a host, it is your job to keep the Party inclusive and balanced. This means making sure that everybody who wants to speak gets a chance to do so. Encourage people to get involved, keep an eye on the balance in the conversation and show respect to all who contribute - regardless of your or their opinion.

<H3>Support the learning process</H3>

Learning a language is hard, and we’re all at different levels. Support your fellow Tandem members on their learning journeys by treating them with patience. Remember that we all started at zero!

<H3>Make sure to act</H3>

Parties aren’t always all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes things will happen that challenge these guidelines and make other participants feel uncomfortable. When those things happen, it is your responsibility as a host to take action. Don’t just sit there silently and hope the problem goes away - lead by example and uphold our principles. Action could include reminding the offender(s) about these guidelines, moving them back to the listener section, or reporting/blocking them. Proactive hosts make for better, safer Parties.

……………………………….……………………………….

<H2>Other things</H2>

<H3>Authentic profiles</H3>

Parties should be a place where participants can trust each other, and trust that the information they see and hear about others is true. We use authentic profiles. Don’t pretend to be anyone you’re not. Everyone is interested in getting to know the real you. 

<H3>Threats to Tandem</H3>

Any threats to the privacy or security of Tandem employees, staff, or partners are strictly prohibited and may escalate to the involvement of law enforcement. This includes, but is not limited to, unwanted attempts to contact Tandem employees, staff or partners via messages through the app or other personal channels including personal email addresses, phone numbers, social media accounts, in person visits, or via other unauthorized or invasive methods. If you have feedback on features or want to report bugs, visit [feedback.tandem.net](https://feedback.tandem.net). For anything that makes you feel unsafe, or any other complaints you may have, write to __support@tandem.net__.

……………………………….……………………………….

We sincerely hope these guidelines help understand the kind of content and behavior our community  accepts and expects on Language Parties, and the ways we all can help us to keep our community as safe and friendly as possible - whether we are active hosts or just keen listeners.

If you’re troubled by anything at all that wasn’t covered in the guidelines, please feel free to reach out to support@tandem.net.

Thanks very, very much for reading this far, and for your continued enjoyment and participation in Language Parties!

<H3>Team Tandem</H3>

Our commitment to keeping Language Parties a safe, friendly environment - where we uphold the Tandem Community Principles.

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Language Parties Guidelines

We launched Tandem in 2015 to help people find native speakers in their target language for a one-on-one language exchange. Recently, our Tandem members started to look for a way to connect their existing language partners with each other and explore ways of learning languages that go beyond the traditional Tandem “one-on-one” method. 

Which got us thinking… how can we bring a more collaborative way of learning languages to the Tandem app?

#### Say hello to Tandem Group Chats!

Tandem Group Chats is the newest feature to grace the [Tandem iOS and Android apps](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) and has been built with collective language learning in mind. Group chats still give our members all the benefits of a normal language exchange, yet moves them away from practicing languages in pairs. Adding more Tandem members to the mix means more opportunity for feedback and a richer shared experience.

## How do Tandem Group Chats work?

It’s pretty easy to start your first group conversation on Tandem. When you open the “Chats” window in the mobile app, you’ll see all the members you’ve already connected with on the “Partners” tab. Simply tap on the “Groups” tab for an overview of your group chats. 

![Groups tab on Tandem app](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1XW0FbCVD3LaRGcg7nR6JG/00a563c2d95426e968d39b057c1a96ff/Tandem-groups-tab-app.png)

Tap on “New group,” add between 2 and 19 of your Tandem partners, and then enter a group name. Something like “German TV & Film Club” or “Beginner’s French Grammar” works well so that it’s clear what the topic of conversation is about. 

![Create Tandem Group Chat](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3rwPnTnzfEf2EftQK54iQc/0abef4435def6c44caaa941c552fed4b/Tandem-create-group-chat.png)

Once you’ve created a group, you can start sending messages, share recommendations, and help your fellow group members improve their language skills. We’ve also added our favorite correction feature to group chats so you can correct each other’s mistakes, too! 

![Tandem message correction groups](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/61u7LEAxFAK3u9umcmpFKR/c8300354683669dc26792ae9e641c3fe/Tandem-message-correction-groups.png)

You might, of course, also be added to another member’s group chat. In this case, you’ll receive a notification to let you know that your Tandem partner has added you to a new group. This enables you to interact with even more new people on the [Tandem app](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP)! 

## But why Tandem Group Chats?

Many language learners opt for group language experiences, such as classes at their university or lessons at their local language school. But, as we all know, the last few months have made it difficult for these courses to continue. During a time of limited face-to-face group interactions, Tandem is excited to bring this shared group learning experience into the online world. 

The Tandem community is also a big place. With more than 10 million members, there are tonnes of other budding language learners you haven’t had the chance to connect with yet. With our group chats, you can also introduce your Tandem partners to each other, making it even easier to meet multiple language learners at once. 

Nothing brings us more joy than introducing new features to our Tandem community. We hope you’re as delighted as we are and are able to use Tandem Group Chats to stay motivated and keep pushing towards your language learning goals.

We’d love to hear what you think about our Tandem Group Chats feature, so if you fancy sharing your feedback, we’d really appreciate you filling out our short survey [here](https://tandemteacher.typeform.com/to/weJRvuKa). 

Wishing you all the best on your language learning journey! 

Team Tandem 


Sign up to Tandem for free, create a group, and invite your language exchange partners to join! 

Tandem Groups Mobile App

Tandem groups mobile

Looking to learn languages in a group?

Lately, we've been thinking a lot about how can we bring a more collaborative way of learning languages to the Tandem app. Say hello to Tandem Group Chats! The newest feature to grace the Tandem iOS and Android apps. 

Tandem Group Chats

Tandem Group Chats let members learn languages in groups! Download the mobile app today to create your own group and start chatting with native speakers. 

Tandem Group Chats | Learn Languages in Groups on Tandem

groups blog banner mobile

Tandem Group Chats Preview

New for 2021: Tandem Group Chats

Last week we announced a [new investment round](https://www.tandem.net/tandem-series-a-funding-round), which means the start of an exciting chapter for the whole Tandem team. Our global community is already making a big impact on the world of language learning and now, with the help of new teammates, we can’t wait to get stuck in, continue to grow our community, and watch Tandem go from strength to strength. 

If you’re searching for new job opportunities and want to be part of a team shaping the way people learn languages, here are some insights into what it’s like to work at Tandem!

## It takes a team to Tandem
 
We’re a team of 24 digital innovators and language enthusiasts based in Berlin. We hail from 15 different countries and speak 20 languages fluently between us. We are driven by a shared passion for languages, technology, and culture. Together, we are on a mission to build a product that not only teaches a new skill but also encourages cross-cultural conversations.

![Tandem Wave](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/19DB52peOll4AcrURuXPI9/180d4390c9cefa24ec26e0641b776ccc/Tandem_Team_Zoom_Wave.png)

## Tandem’s Company Culture

Cultivating a great company culture, or the shared values, goals, and attitudes that characterize our company, is always top of mind. Defining who we are and what we stand for is fundamental in not just creating a fun and open working environment, but also in coming together to create a great product. We’re excited to welcome new members to the team who live by the same values that we do. 

The concept of learning from each other is not only an integral part of the Tandem community but it is also at the heart of our everyday lives at Tandem. We’re collaborators and take the time out to share knowledge and mentor our teammates. This shared connection through learning, between us and our community, helps us to grow and enhances the language journeys of our members. 


![Tandem Team Culture](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3JLkz79o6K7yp3b0a1pzmq/2e5ffaff083eb3ee8033fadb17b4b010/_MG_8793__1_.JPG)


Here are the five core values that shape our company culture:


1. __Commitment to learning__  
We value our teammates above all else. Our commitment to cultivating a culture of personal growth and development helps us reach our long term vision.  

2. __Care & Community__  
Care builds community. We appreciate the work of our teammates and support each other both inside and outside of work. 

3. __Expertise & Growth__  
We foster collaboration across teams, exchange knowledge, and go all out to be brilliant at what we do. 

4. __Transparency & Autonomy__  
We communicate information freely and are trusted to take ownership of our own work. 

5. __Cultural Diversity__  
We share a global mindset. Our team members from all over the world add fresh perspectives and new ideas. 

## What you can expect from working at Tandem

Our genuine passion for languages makes us stand out. Some of us are bilingual, others third culture kids, and many of us ex-pats who have relocated to Berlin. But one thing unites us; we have all struggled to learn a new language, just like our community members. We’re so lucky to have a team that gets it, a team that believes in the power of our product to change and positively impact the lives of our members. 

Even though we’re mostly working from home right now, we’re still always in touch with our teammates, with daily stand-ups, Zoom coffee happy hours, and group huddles twice a week. Our job at Tandem is all about keeping people all over the world connected, so by nature, we’re pretty good at it already. Our office is also open for those of us in need of some real-life interaction with familiar faces. 

![Tandem Home Office](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/2knLDinNeFEqRFe4H2WKuL/8f451974fb8e4b5e28ef22b74c20ba7a/Tandem_Home_Office.jpg)

You can also expect some great perks when working at Tandem: 

- We give every team member budget for up to 6 “Deep Dive Days.” This allows you to choose a topic you’ve always wanted to explore for your professional development and take some time to do some in-depth research and planning.

- To keep our minds and body healthy, we offer each team member an Urban Sports gym membership. If you’d rather a contribution to your monthly public transport ticket, we can offer that too.  

- We plan many team events - big and small - throughout the year. 2020 has been a bit of an exception, but normally, you can expect weekly team lunches, summer BBQs, Christmas events, and Friday beers and board games. We’re always up for spending time with our teammates outside of our normal working routine.

- We understand the importance of balance. We’re a flexible, family-friendly company, who knows when it’s time to snooze slack notifications and enjoy everything else life has to offer.

- If you’re looking to relocate to Berlin, we’re ready to assist you with the infamous German bureaucracy. Many of us have been through it before, so we have plenty of tips to share. You’ll feel settled in no time. 

- We have a bright, open office based in Berlin-Mitte. It’s right in the middle of Berlin’s startup hub and designed to help you get things done. Our kitchen is always fully stocked - that means free drinks, healthy (and non-healthy) snacks, as well as fresh fruit. We also offer a free choice of IT setup and whatever tech you require. 

## Come and join Team Tandem

Have we sparked your interest in working for Tandem? We hope so! You can find more information about the team and our current job openings in marketing and engineering on our [Careers page](https://www.tandem.net/careers). We look forward to reading your application!





We're looking for new teammates in marketing and engineering. Come and shape the future of language learning with us. 

Tandem Desk

Tandem is hiring!

Tandem is hiring! If you’re searching for new job opportunities, here are some insights into what it’s like to work at Tandem!

Tandem is Looking for New Talent 

tandem_blog_banner-Portrait-hero-image

We’re Looking for New Talent to Join Tandem 

2020 has surprised us all. For Team Tandem, it’s been an exciting few months. Not only have we offered language learners an online-learning alternative to closed universities and schools, but we’ve also provided a platform for people to digitally connect with others during a time of limited face-to-face interactions. 

Today, we’re delighted to announce our Series A funding round led by [Brighteye Ventures](https://www.brighteyevc.com/) - the leading European education technology fund - along with Trind Ventures, Rubylight Limited, and GPS Ventures. This latest investment round is a big milestone for us - one that enables us to introduce Tandem to even more language learners around the globe. We’re excited to be working with a group of investors who share our vision of a world where people connect through learning. 

Since our launch date back in 2015, we’ve grown our community to more than 10 million members. That’s 10 million people not just learning to speak a language, but teaching each other, sharing stories of their lives, and engaging in meaningful cross-cultural conversations. And we can’t wait to see what our future holds.

## Our next steps in growing the Tandem community ##
Tandem’s mission remains the same: to build a global language learning community that empowers everyone, everywhere to speak any language. We’ll continue to work hard to achieve this, by adding new members to the Tandem team, accelerating the product development, and supporting the growth of Tandem’s global community. 

No matter how you go about it, it takes time to master a new language. At Tandem, we’ve always believed in the power of friendships and human connection to stay motivated. During these unprecedented times, more and more people are getting used to connecting and working digitally. That’s why we’re excited about developing new formats for people to learn together online and live on the Tandem app. 

## The best way to reach fluency, wherever you are in the world ##

If you really want to become fluent in a foreign language, you actually have to speak it. It’s something we’ve said many times before and continue to stick by. Now more than ever, we’re committed to providing the best language exchange experience out there, so that you, our passionate community, can keep smashing those language goals.

Although we know there’s a lot of work on the road ahead, we’re really proud of our recent achievements. We’ve added a whole bunch of new languages to Tandem, including Ancient Greek, Fijian, and Mandalorian. Now Tandem offers more than 300 languages, including 20 sign languages, 20 indigenous languages, and 6 fictional ones. We’ve also introduced new ways to find Tandem partners in thousands of cities around the world so that our members can connect with people ahead of their travels or study abroad programs. And, to top it all off, we’ve also launched a Tandem web app, for those who prefer to have a language exchange on their laptop or desktop PC. 

The last five years have been a wonderful whirlwind journey for Tandem. And today, we’re thrilled to announce the beginning of a new chapter. To everyone who’s supported Tandem since our launch in 2015 - thank you! We couldn’t have done it without you by our side. Here’s to many more years of shaping the future of language learning! 

Tandem two devices

Connect with native speakers globally and practice speaking any language for free!

It's been an exciting few months at Tandem! We're thrilled to announce a new funding round from Europe's Leading EdTech investors. 

Rosenthaler Platz 

Tandem is delighted to announce a new funding round from Europe's leading EdTech investors. This is a big milestone for us - one that enables us to introduce Tandem to even more language learners around the globe.

Announcing a New Funding Round from Europe’s Leading Education Technology Investors

learning german tandem berlin

You might have noticed that we’ve recently revamped how your profile looks on Tandem, making it even easier for you to find a great language exchange partner! We want all our members to have the best experience and language learning success on Tandem, so here are a few tips on how to create the perfect profile.

__Looking for a way to boost your language skills quickly and effectively? Our [Tandem app](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) helps you find a conversation exchange partner to chat with! Whether you want to learn the latest slang phrases, need clarification for a tricky grammar rule or just want to talk to a like-minded language learner, Tandem is the app for you!__

![texting-app-phone](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/44YZY950OzVCOmD8bXafrP/4dd12336f3e1ac73f6837dbb5b285eb3/texting-app-phone.jpg)

## Choosing your languages

Your language combination is one of the first things members see when they click on your profile, so make sure it’s [accurate](https://www.tandem.net/language-levels-cefrl-guide) from day one. Firstly, select your native language, followed by any other languages you can speak fluently. Then add any languages you’re currently learning. Whilst learning lots of languages is great, we’d recommend selecting the ones you’re focusing on the most. That way, other members know you’re really serious and enthusiastic about learning their native language.

![Tandem screenshot profile](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5ToEVyPV3rHCJlHpLMZ9Li/b309e2d59d1b1ab00a805b1c7eb180c5/blog_profile_img1.png)

## The more detailed, the better

One of the most important factors in having a successful language exchange is finding a partner who shares your interests. When you sign up for Tandem, we’ll ask you to answer questions about your interests, hobbies, goals and ideal language learning partners. You have the option to show these answers on your profile. Be sure to answer the questions honestly as this is a really great opportunity to showcase the types of things you would like to talk about. Similarly, if you want to chat to about something topical, like Game of Thrones, for example, you can create a new topic. The topic will show at the top of your profile and next to your picture on the community feed.

## Don't forget about references

Ok, so this one is a little more about give-and-take. Leaving a nice reference on your Tandem partner’s profile is an incentive for them to write one for you too. Try to make references meaningful by outlining how your Tandem partner helped you and why it was a successful language exchange. Members are more likely to reach out if you have recommendations from other language learners. Remember your Tandem partner can only leave you one reference, so if they have even more nice things to say, they’ll just have to update their original reference. In our opinion, having 10 or more meaningful references makes a great profile. In fact, one of our Tandem superstars, [Jefferson](https://www.tandem.net/top-tips-language-exchange/), has over 300 references!

![Tandem screenshot profile images ](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6eU8p1KkVzKidKg1FHR4iJ/94a866e00702b5a7e2b504701421983b/blog_profile_img2.png)

## Add more photos

It’s important that your profile picture is a clear photo of yourself, but beyond that, it’s great to add more photos that further demonstrate your interests. Maybe you visited the Great Wall of China last year, or you want to show members you like cooking Italian food or playing basketball in your free time. These photos will be shown at the bottom of your profile.

__Download the Tandem app for iOS or Android [here](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP)!__

We want all our members to have the best experience and language learning success on Tandem, so here are a few tips on how to create the perfect profile.

How to Create the Perfect Profile on Tandem

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Creating the Perfect Profile on Tandem

From June 14th, 32 national teams will battle it out to be crowned world football champion in [Russia](https://www.tandem.net/partner/russia). But where would these teams be without the fans that are supporting them around the world? At Tandem, we know that community is everything. We wanted to give our football fan community an extra chance to show their support during this very special soccer season. For a limited time only, we’re adding a brand new Fanzone tab to our [Tandem app](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP), where members can:

*   Show their support for a national team of their choice;
*   Chat with friends around the world about interesting football topics;
*   Find out which team is the most popular around the world!

## About Tandem Fanzone

The Fanzone is the perfect place on the app for discussing football with your Tandem partners. By choosing to support a team, you are offered a special selection of different conversation starters, each one connected to football or the world cup. The aim of the Fanzone is to get members talking about football with friends around the world. There is also a special section of the Fanzone for the current Standings, so you can see which team is most popular around the world! Tandem Fanzone is available on the app for the entire duration of the World Cup (14th June - 15th July 2018). 

Are you heading to Russia to watch the World Cup? Here are the [top phrases in Russian](https://www.tandem.net/useful-russian-phrases-world-cup/) to learn before you go!

## Why a Fanzone?

We were inspired to make our Fanzone by the amazing story of the national team of Iceland. In 2016, Iceland (population 300,000) astounded the world by reaching the quarter finals of the Euro Championships in France for the first time ever. The highlight of their campaign was beating England in the second round (England has a population of 53 million). You might think that Iceland’s small population might mean the team didn’t have a lot of support. In fact, around a tenth of the country’s population came to France to support them, and fans from around the world were impressed by their ardour and love for their national team. 

Arnd Aschentrup, our CEO, sums it up best: "[Community](https://www.tandem.net/tandem-community-principles) is everything on Tandem, and it’s everything to football fans too - when you have an amazing community supporting you, you can achieve amazing things! Iceland’s achievements just show that there is all to play for when you have a community behind you!” “We hope that our members will use the Fanzone to shout their support for teams around the world, and feel inspired to get speaking with each other more than ever before.”

Check out what some of our members have to say about the teams they're supporting in this video:

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vWsMCEf-ChI" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

## How does the Fanzone work?

The Fanzone works as a special stream in the app that members can choose to join. Once they have decided to join, they can choose which national team they support. They then have the option to choose a conversation starter to share with the other Fanzone members.

![fanzone conversation starter](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6tTRA9I0o4TW1UjRCONklh/833f72777b2a231d5a39200702bd95c9/blog_fanzone_2.png)

Once they have picked a team and a topic, they can enter the Fanzone - a member stream that updates in realtime, as members support new teams.

![fanzone members stream](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/eKDcCW9d5jATfuUvZ8xwh/2c9db10c83c8d1b1bcd8700e9ed90512/blog_fanzone_3.png)

Members can also check which team is the most popular in the Standings tab. We’ll be regularly updating our social media to show which team is doing the best on Tandem!!

![blog_fanzone_1.png](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/18o5pMnn5iHa4AMTHzAelp/a4536da69332dae42c4e7be6d23cf19d/blog_fanzone_1.png)

So what are you waiting for? Kick things off by [joining](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) the Fanzone… and make this the most memorable championship in history!

The Fanzone is the perfect place for discussing football with your Tandem partner and showing support to your team during this very special soccer season!

Tandem Fanzone football header

Tandem World Cup Fanzone

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/tandem-world-cup-fanzone/

New for June: Tandem Fanzone

Machine translation… it’s a life-saver, right? We’ve all found ourselves in situations where we’ve been truly grateful for the power of Google Translate to help us understand an unknown word instantly. Instant translation is tempting when you’re in the process of learning a language too. It saves you the time and effort of thinking, and with machine translation having improved noticeably in the past few years, you know that it will most likely be correct. Yet it’s a divisive topic. While many language learners swear by their translation tools, it is the scourge of many a language teacher, who despair of their students’ badly machine-translated homework.

__Your language learning journey will require some helpful tools and resources to gain fluency. That is why Tandem is here to help! With the [Tandem app](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP), we connect language learners to native speakers to help them speak any language, anywhere.__

![nicola-nuttall-721063-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1GWz5DNSheM3Cu7kftKVHH/b366b910cd9556af22487dc19898e0f2/nicola-nuttall-721063-unsplash.jpg)

Is it time to ditch instant translation for good? Not necessarily. If you use translations wisely, you can learn from them very effectively. You can gain a lot of [new vocabulary](https://www.tandem.net/tips-remember-new-vocabulary/), and translations may also show you other variations of meaning for a certain word, which widens your vocab even further and allows you access to way more contexts to speak about! It is also invaluable for checking your writing to ensure that it makes sense (whenever your Tandem partner isn’t available to help you, of course!).

Because of these useful elements, we’ve incorporated instant translations into Tandem’s chat tab. It’s super handy for those times when you just need to send a quick message to your Tandem partner but you’re not sure about one or two words. You simply type the words you’d like to translate in your own language, select them and press translate. However, we made a conscious decision to limit free translations to three messages per day in all of your conversations. We’ve found that limiting translations to just three means we stop and think: “Do I really need to translate this?” rather than mindlessly translating everything. 

For those who are really keen on having the option to translate whenever and wherever, we offer unlimited in-app translations as part of Tandem Pro membership. Find out more about Tandem Pro [in our FAQs](https://www.tandem.net/faq/).

If you are limited to three translations, there are plenty of techniques that you can use to get the most out of them! We’ve compiled a list of smart ways to make the most of the limited translations and still have a really good language exchange. Here are our five top tips for making the most of limited translations on Tandem:

## 1. Avoid the temptation to translate (when possible)!

One way to be sparing with translations is, of course, to [avoid translating](https://www.tandem.net/avoid-translation-language-exchange/) altogether. Drawing pictures, using opposites of the word and giving funny examples are all ways that you can get the message across without using the translate option on Tandem. It may take a little longer to reach the word that you mean, but you’ll definitely cover some other useful vocab on the way there!

## 2. Work it out together

A really useful way to use translations is as a checking device to make sure that you and your partner were right. If you’re talking in your partner’s native language and you stumble across a word that you don’t know how to say, you could switch briefly into your native language to ask what the word is in their language. Then, you can try to work it out together using hints and tips in each language. You can finally use the translate feature to check whether you were right! It’s this sort of team work that makes language exchanges so satisfying (and fun)!

## 3. Always note down new translations

Each time you use the translate function on Tandem, add the translation of the word to a little list. This way, the next time you need it, you can just check the list instead of using up another precious translation! You could even offer to test your Tandem partner on their list of translated words, and vice versa, making it into a fun little game!

## 4. Only translate words when necessary

If you’ve tried all the above methods first, then it’s ok to translate on Tandem. Translating is a super handy way of quickly accessing new vocab. But make sure you learn the translations as you go!

## 5. Try Tandem Pro!

After all that, you may still find that three translations per day doesn’t cover all the words you need to translate. Why not try out an upgrade? With [Tandem Pro](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP), you get to play games, see members who are nearby to where you are, see who’s viewed your profile, have ad-free access, and best of all, you can use unlimited translations to help you learn in the best way. 

There are plenty of techniques that you can use to get the most out of translations on Tandem! Here's our list of top tips to help you translate with ease!

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Translation on Tandem: 5 Ways To Make Each Translation Count

/translation-tandem-pro/

Translation on Tandem: 5 Ways to Make Each Translation Count

Do you usually give a greeting card to friends or family during December? Sending cards at Christmas or New Year is a tradition that stretches back for nearly two hundred years!

__With millions of members, Tandem is one of the largest language learning communities out there! With our Tandem app, you can connect with native speakers all over the world and practice languages via text, audio message, and video call. [Download Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) today - it’s free!__

### When was the first Christmas Card sent?

The first ever cards were sent in England by a busy civil servant who didn’t have time to see all his friends and family in the run up to Christmas. Instead, he had some festive cards made and sent them to his friends by post with a special greeting inside. His friends loved them - and sent cards themselves the following year. By the middle of the 20th century, the tradition of sending Christmas cards had spread to many countries - a quick, but thoughtful, way to send greetings to your loved ones.

### Do people still send Christmas Cards today?

Today’s technology might make the traditional handwritten cards of the past seem old-fashioned. But sharing love and appreciation with your friends and family at the end of the year has never gone out of fashion - even for those who do not celebrate Christmas. With these things in mind, we have a special gift for you this holiday season!

### Introducing… Tandem Holiday Cards

We’ve designed a unique set of special Holiday Cards in ten languages. Members of the Tandem community can share these with their language exchange partners through instant messaging on the app, so it’s a modern twist on the classic Christmas card. Here’s a sneak peek of what the Cards look like:

![tandem xmas cards](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/21ydH0x1kXzSSFNkwx4500/504a40adf38abfdf4f7304828f9254d6/blog-xmas4.png)

Like traditional Christmas cards, our Tandem Holiday Cards feature the words “Merry Christmas” - but you can choose from nine different languages, and send them around the world in seconds. The cards can teach basic vocabulary, but also spark discussions around the festive season in different countries and cultures.  Here’s how to add one to your profile!  Once you’ve updated your [app](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP), open up a conversation with the partner you want to send a card to. You’ll see a special icon in the lower left hand corner - tap this to view the different cards.

![cards for tandem 3](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5D5JFAZ07G3DANqlh3UkDk/f97d9ed1ed429ef0d22620dd2a2578f3/blog-xmas.png)

You’ll be able to swipe through a selection of different cards featuring “Merry Christmas” in ten languages - [English](https://www.tandem.net/learn-english-online), French, [German](https://www.tandem.net/learn-german-online), Spanish, Italian, [Portuguese](https://www.tandem.net/learn-portuguese-online), Russian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese.

![cards for tandem 2](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/4enGaFNFRNn5QAJ2A6YbPq/e1fcf501d4beb17d696a56e1ee1c6892/blog-xmas2.png)

Once you’ve selected the card you want to send, make sure you add a personal note to your friend in the text bar at the bottom of the screen. 

![9097](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/O36JdrH654ilYmEnoosQp/f7edb5a0f86401c0bbb86bf1a61ad718/blog-xmas3.png)

Once you’ve written your message, you’re ready to send! It’s as simple as that. You’re continuing the long tradition of Christmas cards and teaching some new vocabulary in the process!

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ls2kdmu2afo" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Sending greeting cards is a great way to show you care about your friends - and a nice way to practice your newly learnt language skills!

Holiday Cards on Tandem: Send a Christmas Card to your Friend!

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Sending Holiday Cards on Tandem

Language Levels on Tandem are there to help you [find a partner](https://www.tandem.net/partner) that matches your skills. That way, you will be able to have an equal language exchange without one language dominating! Here, we walk you through how to choose levels on the [Tandem app](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP).

![pexels-photo-407237.jpeg](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/7FYpDcFqVhoheTI6sqXyGM/f4959fcd774714a4d097917fa77ab66c/pexels-photo-407237.jpeg)

First, a bit of information about Tandem Language Levels. We have three levels: 

## Beginner:
This is for members who are making their first steps in learning a language. You might not know any words at all; or perhaps you just know some basics, such as how to introduce yourself or ask for directions. 

## Intermediate: 
This is for members who already have some basic language skills and can speak with some confidence on easier topics. You can talk about shopping, make plans with others, discuss your travels and describe the plot of your favorite movie, for example. 

## Advanced: 
This is for members who are very confident in their speaking skills. You can have spontaneous and fluent conversation, understand the news and use the language effectively for work and studies. For more information on what these language levels mean, check out our [guide](https://www.tandem.net/language-levels-cefrl-guide) to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

So, how do you add language levels to your profile? Start off by selecting your languages. You need to choose native languages and/or spoken languages. Tap the pencil to choose your languages from the drop down menu.

![langlevel-01.png](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5eObEgbqc1pmMolLrL8Gqp/4fd37af665fb5642d171a1da3329f12c/langlevel-01.png)

Once you’ve chosen your native and spoken languages, you need to choose some languages to learn on Tandem. Again, you can choose this by tapping the pencil next to “I am learning”. 

![langlevel-02.png](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3oTsuNERHPCJQOc3TrFzaM/1ebeab81c71de57b0bb35b70352b44c7/langlevel-02.png)

All the languages that you choose for the "I am learning" section have a level indicator next them. Tap this to choose or change your language level.

![langlevel-03.png](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5APsTiJhFp86IPxwQO5HvX/93160dc0fbf47c567dac162432545447/langlevel-03.png)

Here, you will see a description of our three different levels - **Beginner**, **Intermediate** and **Advanced**. Make sure you read these carefully before you [choose your level](https://www.tandem.net/language-levels-cefrl-guide/) for each language.

![langlevel-04.png](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6h3OtLa3IwZWClSD0ncr3C/63ecf923bdaf4483c7962a6cef8d3983/langlevel-04.png)

Now your levels should be added to your profile - and you will be able to see language levels on other people’s profiles too!

![langlevel-05.png](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5azL6GxyK061j4h7dp6fOX/24bd09062cdd5ecd57ca3c1875c61951/langlevel-05.png)

Language Levels make it that much easier to find a Tandem partner who matches your skills. Here, we show how to add them to the languages on your profile.

Language Levels: how to use them on Tandem

Using Language Levels on Tandem

Correcting each other through language exchange is a great way flag mistakes and suggest more natural ways of writing . On Tandem, you can easily correct messages by using the [correct function](https://www.tandem.net/how-to-correct-mistakes-en). Here, we walk you through how to do it.

First - check _how_ your partner wants to be corrected. They may only want major mistakes corrected, and not every small detail, or perhaps they prefer for you to focus on a mistakes with a particular grammar rule. They might even be a total perfectionist who wants every tiny detail spot on! Whichever they are, you won't know unless you ask or check. 

Also consider the language level of your partner. For low level learners, focus on correcting basic mistakes with grammar and spelling. For more advanced learners, you can show them the most natural way to express themselves - complete with slang and idioms! To avoid annoying them, it’s polite to ask about your partner’s language learning goals before you begin. Click here for more [Tandem etiquette tips](https://www.tandem.net/etiquette-tandem-language-exchange-partner/). Then, you’re ready to begin correcting! Start by pressing down on the message until “Correct” appears.

![correcting-01.png](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/4nKMVQAQzAgzVPTEmhf8iR/12d1a72a3c85e3ebd6f35e322f236317/correcting-01.png)

Tap on “Correct”, and then on the pen symbol on the right. 

![correcting-02.png](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5G3XvqBEL3Ub07t5r72SLJ/65fbfb2d52d9954c9da044a3e7f4ac82/correcting-02.png)

You then have the option to edit the sentence, either by rewriting it entirely or by making small edits to individual letters or words. You can also include parts that are not corrected or chose to just flag the corrections, and add a comment to explain what you have done to your partner. 

![correcting-03.png](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/45x22WCDuugv4d6xfKIZ7F/033cb2eaa55671faeba0f61cca3d7eaa/correcting-03.png)

Now it’s time to send and show your partner the correct version! 

![how to correct on Tandem](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5fpLLKAlZTiK3y48nFdd05/a611c06a035aadfe31c7c2337b7cdaf3/correcting-04.png)

If it is a grammar mistake, be ready to explain why the version you have sent is correct… probably your partner will ask straightaway! :) 

__The Tandem app is not only for those on a language learning journey but also for those brave nomads and travelers out there. Speak the language of the locals and meet new people in the country you are traveling to. [Download the Tandem app](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) now to connect with people all across the world!__

Learn how to correct on Tandem through our great how-to guide. You and your partner will have perfect writing in no time at all!

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Correct like a pro on Tandem Language Exchange

How to Correct like a Pro

New year, new features! 2017 looks set to be a big year for us and we’ve kicked it off in style with our latest update to the app. Here’s what's new in our January update.

##### Native Speakers

We want our community to connect with the most relevant people possible for their language learning, so with our latest update, it is even easier to find native speakers! You can now identify your native languages when you sign up, alongside spoken languages and the languages you want to learn. This way, it is easy to know if the person you are talking to speaks the language natively or has learnt it themselves.

![rsz img native-speakers ipad (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/556XZVDLLw8vgckl7bbmn6/8d79d679fa7e02636287a4d717e6d7b9/rsz_img_native-speakers_ipad__1_.png)

##### Sign Language

We are so excited to announce that it is now possible to learn and practice sign language through Tandem! At least 70 million people across the world use sign language as their first language or mother tongue, and millions more learn it as a second language. Video chat is a great way to learn and practice sign language remotely, and our hope is that learning sign language will be accessible to even more people through our app. It’s a common misconception that there are only a few different sign languages. In fact, there are over 6,000 unique and distinct sign languages worldwide! We’d love to have them all but for now, we have 11 sign languages available on the app:

*   American Sign Language
*   British Sign Language
*   Spanish Sign Language
*   French Sign Language
*   Russian Sign Language
*   German Sign Language
*   Chinese Sign Language
*   Brazilian Sign Language
*   Indo-Pakistani Sign Language
*   Japanese Sign Language
*   Bolivian Sign Language
*   International Sign Language

__Your language learning journey will require some helpful tools and resources to gain fluency. That is why Tandem is here to help! With the [Tandem app](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP), we connect language learners to native speakers to help them speak any language, anywhere.__

New year, new features! Our January update for the Tandem app includes a native speaker function and the option to learn 11 different sign languages!

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New Features - Native Speakers and Sign Language

New Features: Native Speakers and Sign Language

Welcome to the Tandem blog, straight from our Berlin HQ. We’ll be regularly posting here to keep you up to speed with all things Tandem – from updates, to [top tips](https://www.tandem.net/top-tandem-tips-community), to special events all around the world. Watch this space for more… 

![tandem team photos 1 of 1 .jpg](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/IweTcCYAl2eranqXPyod8/c316bc3ddc8dc15f1006709c6a5a5e56/tandem-team-photos-1-of-1-.jpg)

Welcome to the Tandem blog, straight from our Berlin HQ!

Welcome to the Tandem blog, straight from our Berlin HQ.

Welcome to the Tandem Language Exchange blog

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

Welcome to Tandem

As a global language learning community, we have given ourselves three guiding principles.

### 1. We are here to learn
On Tandem we meet to learn languages together, to help and support each other on our [language learning](https://www.tandem.net/learn-language-fast-speaking) journeys. Tandem is not a dating app. While many of us have become friends along the way, we ask those who just want to meet new people and have no interest in learning to look elsewhere.

### 2. We celebrate our diversity 
We come together from all around the world and value our different cultures and backgrounds. We meet each other with kindness, respect and curiosity. We use authentic profiles. There is so much to learn from one another! Any discrimination towards race, ethnicity, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodivergence or age have no place in our community. 

### 3. We share generously
We are generous with our knowledge and grateful for the generosity of others. To preserve this spirit, making commercial offers to other Tandem members by promoting a product, service or social media channel is not allowed, unless you are an official partner of Tandem.

We take care of each other and stand ready to protect our community from those who act against our principles. If you come across a member who is behaving in a way that is not in line with one of the principles, please [report them](https://www.tandem.net/how-to-report-someone). Thank you for your help!

As a global language learning community, we have given ourselves three guiding principles.

Tandem Community Principles

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New Blog Banner Bold

Welcome to the Tandem blog: your one-stop shop for all the latest news and resources from the coolest language exchange app in the world!!

Tandem Blog: Tandem App