Tandem is a mobile language exchange application and global language learning community available on iOS and Android.[2] The app facilitates communication via text, voice, and video chat, enabling members to improve their language skills while forming cultural connections.[3] As of January 2025, the platform supports over 300 languages, including 20 sign languages, 20 indigenous languages, and six fictional languages, such as Mandalorian and Klingon.[4] Tandem is used by over 30 million members worldwide.
Tandem was founded in Hannover in 2014 by Arnd Aschentrup, Tobias Dickmeis, and Matthias Kleimann. The app's concept was inspired by the tandem language learning method, which emphasizes mutual language exchange between speakers of different native languages. Prior to founding Tandem, Aschentrup, Dickmeis and Kleimann had launched Vive, a members-only mobile video chat platform.[5]
The Tandem app debuted on iOS in 2015, with an Android version following in 2016. The company subsequently relocated its headquarters to Berlin, Germany.
In its early days, Tandem secured significant financial backing. A seed round in 2015 raised €600,000, supported by investors such as Atlantic Labs (Christophe Maire), Hannover Beteiligungsfonds, and a group of angel investors including Marcus Englert (Rocket Internet) and Florian Langenscheidt.[6] In 2016, Tandem received an additional €2 million in funding, with new investors Rubylight and Faber Ventures joining previous backers.[2]
In 2018, the app introduced Tandem Pro, a subscription-based model offering premium features for enhanced language learning.[7] Two years later, in July 2020, Tandem closed a €5 million (~$5.7 million) Series A funding round. This funding was led by Brighteye Ventures, a European edtech investment firm, and included contributions from Trind Ventures, Rubylight Limited, and GPS Ventures.[8]
Concept
The Tandem app is rooted in the principle of Tandem language learning, a methodology designed to foster language acquisition through language exchange.[9] In this approach, each participant is a native speaker of the language their partner aims to learn (no teaching experience is required). The interaction is structured to ensure equal time is dedicated to both languages, enabling participants to practice and improve their language skills in a collaborative way.
The app's name and design draw inspiration from the tandem language learning methodology, emphasizing not only mutual learning but also the exchange of cultural perspectives. Supported by Tandem Fundazioa, the organization that originally developed the tandem learning approach, the app integrates traditional linguistic pedagogy with modern technology.[10]
While 1-on-1 interactions remain central to the Tandem platform, the app also offers group learning features in Language Parties[11] and Language Clubs. Language Parties allow members to converse in live audio rooms with other members,[12] while Language Clubs provide topic-based groups where members can engage in discussions, share resources, and connect with like-minded learners.
By combining authentic 1-on-1 exchanges with collaborative group activities, Tandem offers a diverse and inclusive platform for learners to connect with others worldwide, practice their target languages, and deepen their understanding of different cultures.
Features
Tandem requires its members to submit an application before being accepted into the Tandem community.[13] As part of Tandem's moderation policy, each application is individually reviewed.[14]
Free features
Tandem offers several core features free of charge, designed to facilitate language exchange and learning. These include:
Community: A stream of potential language partners tailored to a member's language preferences. Members can filter the stream based on criteria such as age, location, and desired language combinations.
Chats: A dedicated tab where members can communicate with language partners they have connected with. Chats support a variety of communication tools, including text messages, commenting, correcting, voice notes, speech-to-text, images, and voice and video calls. Additional free tools include a limited number of message translations and transliterations.
Social: An area for multiway language learning divided into two components:
Language Parties: Live audio rooms where members can join group conversations for language practice.[15]
Language Clubs: Topic-based groups where members can post messages and engage with others on a communal wall
Paid features
The subscription-based service, Tandem Pro, provides access to additional features designed to enhance the language learning experience. These include:[16]
Community discovery
Nearby: A sub-section of the Community that allows members to find Tandem members located nearby.
Travel: A sub-section that enables members to discover Tandem members in different cities around the world.
Profile insights
Viewing profiles of members who have visited a member's profile.
A badge identifying Pro members and the ability to boost profile visibility for increased exposure.
Unlimited features
Unlimited AI-powered translations (free members are limited to 5 translations per day).
Unlimited saved expressions for vocabulary building.
Unlimited conversations, along with the ability to transcribe audio messages.
Unlimited participation in Language Parties, including unlimited audio and video calls.
Unlimited languages on a member's profile (technically capped at 10)
AI toolkit
Advanced tools to enhance communication and language learning, including:
Grammar Check: Automated corrections for grammatical errors.
Word Finder: Dictionary feature to search for words and short phrases.
Inspire: Suggestions for engaging in conversations.
Rewrite: Suggestions for rephrasing messages for varying tone and style.
Customization and exclusive features
The ability to change a Tandem ID.
Access to private hosting of Language Parties.
Exclusive emoji options for use in Language Parties.
Access to real-time status updates of language partners, such as their online availability.
Ad-free experience
Pro members also enjoy an advertisement-free interface.
Historical features
In 2020, Tandem discontinued a section of the app that was dedicated to connecting members with online language tutors.[17] This paid feature allowed users to find, book, and conduct lessons with professional teachers directly through the app. The decision to remove this feature was made to focus on Tandem's core mission of facilitating language exchange and community-driven learning.
Reception
In 2015, Tandem was named in Apple's "Best Apps of 2015".[18] Tandem was also recognized as one of Google Play's "Best Apps of 2017".[19]
Awards
In 2018, Tandem received an award from the German initiative Deutschland - Land der Ideen in their "Ausgezeichnete Orte im Land der Ideen" competition.[20] This initiative recognizes the top ideas and projects in Germany that encourage the interconnection of cultures and an open-minded society.[21] In 2025, Tandem was added to HolonIQ's annual list of the 200 most promising EdTech startups across Europe.[22]
Criticism
Tandem has received criticism for not accepting members into the community immediately. In some countries, there is a waiting list and applicants can wait up to 7 days for their application to be processed by the human moderators.[23]
Tandem has yet to implement a Dark mode user interface, unlike most other messaging apps, despite it being requested by many users on their feedback forum.[24]
Members
The Tandem community comprises over 30 million members. Despite various unofficial sources claiming a specific number of active users,[25] Tandem has never officially disclosed figures about its active user base.
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