General information

1. When was TANDEM Munich founded?

TANDEM Munich was founded in 1988.

2. Is the school centrally located?

Our language school is in the heart of Munich – in Schwabing, surrounded by cozy cafés, shops, and close to Munich's main attractions.

3. What languages are taught?

At TANDEM Munich, you can learn German, English, Spanish, and Italian.

4. Are the language courses only for adults?

Yes, the minimum age for participants is 18 years.

5. What is the average age of the participants?

The average age of our course participants is approximately 30 years.

6. Is the school recognized?

Our school is a recognized telc and TestDaF examination center and is a member of the Spanish-German language school association, TANDEM International.

7. What are the teachers' qualifications?

All of our teachers are native speakers with university degrees and experience in teaching their native language.

8. Is it possible to take official language exams?

Yes, TANDEM Munich offers telc exams ("Deutsch B1", "Deutsch B2", and "Deutsch C1 Hochschule") for German. We also offer the "TestDaF" exam.

9. How long is a lesson?

One lesson (UE) lasts 45 minutes.

10. Can my language course be financed by BAMF or the Jobcenter?

Our courses are intended for self-paying participants, so the course fees cannot be covered by BAMF or Jobcenter, and we cannot accept vouchers.

11. How can I register for a language course?

You can register either online using our form or in person at our office.

12. What if I am sick and cannot attend class?

Please notify us by email if you are ill. Unfortunately, we cannot offer makeup lessons.

13. What if a class day falls on a public holiday?

In the intensive German and exam preparation courses, classes on public holidays are canceled without a replacement. In evening courses, mini-group courses, and one-to-one lessons, these hours are not calculated.

14. Is the school closed at any specific times of the year?

Yes, the school is closed for two weeks over Christmas and New Year.

Intensive German courses

1. When and how will my registration be confirmed?

After we receive your course registration, we will send you a confirmation letter and our placement test via email.

2. How does the placement process work?

Once registered, you will receive our placement test by email, which should be completed without any aids and returned to us as soon as possible.

3. Do I need to pay the course fee in advance?

Upon confirmation, we require a €200 deposit. The remaining amount is due on the first course day and can be paid by bank transfer, in cash, or by card at the office. Note: The deposit is not an additional fee; it is part of the total course fee.

4. What does the service charge cover?

The service charge includes the first course book and a weekly leisure program. In summer, we offer three activities per week (excluding entry and travel costs).

5. How many hours does the intensive course include?

We offer intensive German courses with 16, 18, and 20 lessons per week. Visa participants must attend a course with at least 18 lessons per week.

6. How many days a week does the intensive course take place?

The standard intensive course runs from Monday to Thursday with 16 lessons per week. The 18- and 20-hour-per-week courses are held from Monday to Friday.

7. What are the course hours?

The course is primarily or exclusively in the morning, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. However, some levels have alternating classes: two to three days in the morning and two days in the afternoon (from 1:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.).

8. How long does it take to complete a level?

Typically, a full level can be completed in eight weeks, and half a level in four weeks.

9. Do I have to choose a specific course duration?

No, you can register for as little as one week or up to a maximum of 48 weeks.

10. How many participants are in a German course?

Intensive German courses have 4 to 10 participants, with an average of 6 to 8.

German visa courses

1. Which course should I book if I want to apply for a visa for a German course?

To apply for a visa for a German course, you should book a course with at least 18 teaching hours per week and a minimum duration of four months. Some German diplomatic missions (embassies or consulates) may require a course of 20 teaching hours per week.

2. How do I obtain the confirmation letter for the German mission abroad (usually the German Embassy) or for the immigration office to prove I am officially registered?

After you complete your registration on our website, we will ask for a deposit payment of €200 per month of registration. Example: If you register for 6 months, the deposit will be €1,200. Once we receive your payment, we will send the official confirmation letter via email. We will also need your passport number and place of birth to process the letter.

3. Is this deposit an additional payment?

No, the deposit is part of the total course fee. We do not charge extra fees for our visa support service!

4. How long does it take to get a visa for the German course?

Unfortunately, as a language school, we have no control over the visa application processing time. Typically, our course participants receive a response within three to six months regarding the status of their visa application.

5. What if my application takes longer and I can’t start the course on the original date?

Please inform us at least three weeks before the start date if your visa has not yet been granted. We will adjust your course start date to the next available one, free of charge.

6. What happens if my visa application is denied?

If your application is rejected, please send us a scan or photo of the rejection letter. We will refund the paid course fees (deposit) minus a processing fee of €100.

German summer courses

1. When do the summer courses take place?

We offer summer intensive courses in July and August.

2. How do the summer courses differ from the intensive courses?

The summer courses follow the same structure as the intensive courses with 16, 18, or 20 lessons per week. However, they feature a more vibrant and engaging leisure and cultural program, with three weekly activities to explore Munich and the surrounding areas.

3. Is the summer course in July and August more expensive than in other months?

Yes, in July and August, we apply a summer course supplement of €20 per week due to the additional leisure and cultural activities offered.

German special courses

1. When do the special courses or additional modules take place?

Additional modules are held on Friday mornings from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. or from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

2. What additional modules are available?

We offer grammar courses for levels A, B, and C, conversation courses, writing and pronunciation training, German regional studies, and Bavarian culture.

3. How long do the courses last?

Each 90-minute session is a standalone unit. However, the additional modules can be attended for the full duration of the intensive courses or longer.

4. Do I have to choose an additional module?

Additional modules are required for students who need a visa, but optional for all others. However, we highly recommend them to reinforce and expand on the intensive course content.

5. Can I attend an additional module without taking the intensive course?

Yes, the additional modules can be attended independently of the intensive German courses!

German exam preparation courses

1. What exam preparation courses are available?

We offer specialized preparation courses for the "telc Deutsch B1", "telc Deutsch B2", "telc C1 Hochschule," and "TestDaF" exams.

2. How are the exam preparation courses structured?

In these courses, we cover each component of the respective exam in detail, familiarizing you with the exam format. Our trainers provide tips and strategies to ensure you are fully prepared for the exam. Prerequisite: Completion of the required language level!

3. When do the exam preparation courses take place?

The exam preparation courses are held four weeks before the exam, Monday through Thursday, from 1:30 to 3:45 p.m.

German evening courses

1. When do the German evening courses take place?

Our German evening courses are held twice a week. You can choose between "Monday and Wednesday" or "Tuesday and Thursday" sessions. The available course times are either from 6:20 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. or from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

2. How long do these evening courses last?

The courses last a minimum of 12 weeks.

3. What is the learning progression like in the evening German courses?

Half of a language level can be completed after one course (three months), and a full level after two courses (six months).

4. Is the course book included in the price?

No, the course book is not included. You can purchase it from a bookstore or directly from us. Typically, we bill the course together with the teaching materials.

5. What is the maximum number of participants?

The maximum number of participants in the German evening courses is 9.

6. Can I have a free trial lesson in advance?

Yes! After completing our placement test, we offer a free trial lesson in an existing course, if possible. After the trial, you can decide if you would like to enroll in the course.

7. What if I need to cancel a scheduled lesson on short notice? Will I be charged?

Mini-group and individual lessons can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. For cancellations made with shorter notice, the lesson will be charged. For evening group courses, you can specify one to four dates in advance when you will be unable to attend; these dates will not be charged. After the course begins, missed lessons cannot be rescheduled or refunded.

German mini-group courses and private lessons

1. How many participants are there in the mini-group courses?

These courses are designed for only two participants who register together.

2. Are there fixed course times for these courses?

No, the available time frame for mini-group courses and private lessons is from 1:30 to 6:15 p.m., and later in the evening if required and available.

3. Can these courses also be taken on weekends?

Upon request and subject to availability, these courses can be scheduled on weekends. Typically, however, they are offered Monday through Friday.

4. Is there a minimum booking?

Yes, the minimum booking is 10 teaching hours.

5. What if I need to cancel a lesson on short notice?

Mini-group or individual lessons can be canceled free of charge if done at least 24 hours in advance. For cancellations made on shorter notice, the lesson will be charged.

German language exams

1. Which language exams are available at TANDEM?

We offer telc exams for "Deutsch B1," "Deutsch B2," "Deutsch C1 Hochschule," and the "TestDaF" exam.

2. Are exam fees included in the course price?

No, exam fees must be paid separately, regardless of course enrollment.

3. Does TANDEM offer specific exam preparation courses?

Yes, we provide a four-week preparatory course before each exam to help you get ready.

TANDEM language partnerships

1. Why should I request a TANDEM language partnership?

A TANDEM language partnership is an excellent way to improve your language skills in a real-world context, making it the ideal complement to your language classes.

2: Where will I meet my TANDEM partner for the first time?

The initial meeting takes place at our language school. We’ll provide a brief introduction, and then you can start practicing together.

3. Is there a placement fee?

This service is free for our course participants. For others, there’s a one-time fee of €25, covering up to three language partners over 12 months.

Leisure and cultural program

1. Does the school organize leisure activities?

Yes, we offer a vibrant leisure and cultural program with various activities for participants in our intensive German courses. During July and August, we offer three activities per week, and one activity per week during the other months.

2. Are the costs of leisure activities included in the course price?

Our guide is included in the course price, but there may be additional costs for admissions and tickets.

Health Insurance

1. Do I need health insurance?

Health insurance is mandatory for all course participants arriving from non-European countries. For European participants, we recommend additional coverage, as treatment costs may not always be fully reimbursed. Liability insurance is also strongly advised in case of accidental damage to someone else’s property. On our website, you’ll find information about two recommended insurance brokers.

Accommodation service

1: Can TANDEM help me find a room?

Yes, we offer accommodation with local German hosts for participants in an intensive German course. Rooms are furnished, and you’ll share kitchen and bathroom facilities with your host.

2. Is the accommodation far from the school?

No, public transport travel time is a maximum of 45 minutes, and many hosts live even closer.

3. Can I book a course without accommodation?

Absolutely, booking a course without accommodation is possible.

4. Can I reserve accommodation without enrolling in a course?

Unfortunately, this isn’t possible. Accommodation is reserved only for the duration of the course. For long-term participants (over three months), the room is initially reserved for the first three months, giving participants time to secure their own place if needed.

5. When and how will I receive my accommodation address?

We’ll send you the accommodation details via email approximately two weeks before your course begins.

6. Are bed linen and towels provided in my accommodation?

Yes, bed linen and towels are provided at your accommodation.