Tandem
Language exchange app run by Tripod Technology GmbH from Hannover and Berlin
At a glance
| Company | Tripod Technology GmbH |
|---|---|
| Category | Language Exchange Apps |
| Headquarters | Hannover (office also in Berlin), Germany |
| Founded | 2015 |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Location | Not stated as a country; the privacy policy says data may be stored on servers outside the home country |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | Text chat, audio and video calls, message correction, translation, topics, reviewed member applications |
| Pricing | Sign-up is free according to the Tandem homepage. A paid tier is not described on the pages we read. |
| Best For | Learners who want one-to-one conversation partners from a German operator |
| Replaces | HelloTalk |
Full review
Tandem is a language exchange app in the language exchange apps category. The Tandem imprint names Tripod Technology GmbH, Bölschestr. 21, 30173 Hannover, registered at Amtsgericht Hannover under HRB 210614, with a second office at Oranienburger Str. 17 in Berlin.
Tandem pairs members who each speak the language the other wants to learn. The Tandem about page says the app launched in 2015 and states 35+ million members. Reading date for the pages behind this review: 4 November 2026.
Who runs Tandem and where is the company based?
Tripod Technology GmbH runs Tandem. The imprint lists the managing directors Arnd Aschentrup and Tobias Dickmeis, the VAT ID DE279098399 and an external data protection officer in Hamburg.
The terms of service say that German law governs the agreement. The imprint also notes that the app is licensed by Tandem Fundazioa, and the pages we read do not explain that link.
How does Tandem compare with HelloTalk for conversation practice?
Tandem offers text chat, audio calls, video calls, message correction and translation. The Tandem homepage says Tandem reviews every application to keep the community safe.
HelloTalk states 70 million users and has a larger partner pool. Tandem states 35+ million members, so the pool is smaller but still large for common language pairs.
What does Tandem say about call and message data?
The Tandem privacy policy states that Tandem does not monitor, record or store the contents of audio calls, video calls or Tandem Party conversations. Tandem does store messages, message timestamps and Topics.
The same policy says users can download, edit or delete personal data from the My Profile tab, and that data may be stored on servers outside the home country.
Where it falls short
Tandem does not name the hosting country on the pages we read, and its privacy policy allows storage on servers outside the user's home country. The pages we read show no price for any paid tier. Tandem stores messages, and moderators can read messages that users choose to share when reporting abuse.
Is Tandem right for you?
Learners who want a conversation exchange app with a German operator and one-to-one practice. Learners who prefer pen pal writing can look at Slowly.
What works, what does not
Pros
- Contracting entity in Germany (EU)
- Text, audio and video chat in one app
- Correction and translation tools
- Reviewed applications to limit spam
- Call contents are not recorded, according to the privacy policy
Cons
- Hosting country not stated
- Paid tier not described on pages read
- Messages are stored
- Pool smaller than HelloTalk's stated size
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Operator is a German GmbH in the EU
- Text, audio and video chat live in one app
- Corrections and translation inside the chat
- Applications are reviewed before members join
- Privacy policy says call contents are not recorded
Cons
- No hosting country is named
- Pages read describe no paid tier
- Chat messages are kept on file
- Member pool is smaller than HelloTalk's stated size
Alternatives to Tandem
Alternatives from Europe in the language exchange apps group:
See all European language exchange apps or compare them directly against HelloTalk on our alternatives page.
FAQ
Tripod Technology GmbH, Bölschestr. 21, 30173 Hannover, Germany, registered at Amtsgericht Hannover under HRB 210614.
The Tandem privacy policy states that Tandem does not monitor, record or store the contents of audio calls, video calls or Tandem Party conversations. Messages are stored.
Yes. Tripod Technology GmbH is a German company, while the HelloTalk terms name HelloTalk, Inc. and apply Hong Kong SAR law.