"How are you?" - In everyday life, whether it’s in the supermarket, at the office, or just out and about, you’ve heard this greeting from native English speakers many times.

This is a simple question and you could start explaining that you’re feeling great after having been to the gym or that you’re not feeling the best because you caught a cold. This sort of reply would successfully overcome the hurdle of starting a conversation by laying down the foundation for interesting small talk.

Or was the question not meant so literally? Does "how are you?" not require a full conversation?

This supposedly easy-to-navigate conversation highlights intercultural differences and the importance of being familiar with everyday English idioms. This way, you can avoid getting stuck and can learn to navigate small talk in English calmly and safely.

English-speaking countries place a lot more value on small talk than any other country, especially in everyday life.

We will explain what you should pay attention to in English conversations and help you to master small talk in English with an overview of useful terms and idioms.

## Contents:

- [Understand cultural differences with English small talk](#understandculturaldifferenceswithenglishsmalltalk)
- [Typical small talk situations](#typicalsmalltalksituations)
      - [In passing](#inpassing)
      - [In the elevator](#intheelevator)
      - [At a meeting](#atameeting)
      - [At a party or event](#atapartyorevent)
      - [On the phone](#onthephone)
- [Avoid the pitfalls](#avoidthepitfalls)
- [Practice makes perfect!](#practicemakesperfect)
- [Expressions and phrases for English small talk](#expressionsandphrasesforenglishsmalltalk)

![london britain english language learning](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3HfaHT38FpxikpMnHeT77t/03550d8318c8805a4d49e549d5fb28ea/london_britain_english_language_learning.jpg)

## Understand cultural differences with English small talk

If you start a conversation with a native English speaker, you will quickly find that English small talk is very different from maybe what you’re used to. The small talk begins in the initial greeting which is intended as a polite and frivolous pleasantry. The answer is expected to be nothing more than a simple “I'm fine, thanks.” or a “Good, how are you?”. In other cultures, these superfluous questions might not be a standard and would otherwise be responded by giving an honest answer.

The context or formality of the situation in which the small talk is taking place is generally insignificant. Addressing your counterpart in an informal manner is a standard—whether it’s speaking with the cashier in the supermarket or meeting your new boss in the office for the first time.

However, that doesn't mean that you should converse as though you have been best friends for years. It is important to always stay friendly, polite, and __avoid any controversial topics.__

Politeness to a native English speaker could vary significantly from other cultures’ ways of communication.

You have set a specific goal in your head—why beat around the bush when you can get to the point quickly? With your English-speaking counterpart, however, it’s not well received if you simply omit the small talk and get straight to the point.

__The tandem app is not just about language exchange, but also about getting an insight into different cultures and having meaningful conversations with people from all over the world. [Download the tandem app now](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) and enjoy cultural diversity!__

![new york america american english language learning](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/40F7Baa9FMQXk4niOR7lpM/3045aca47986803a27676f744f933d1e/new_york_america_american_english_language_learning.jpg)

## Typical small talk situations

Small talk is not often left out of any conversation in English-speaking countries. In that case, should you always be thinking of small talk topics, even if you’re just asking the supermarket cashier for a bag?

Of course, you’re not expected to have a chat about the weather in every single situation. Let us explain how best to manage English small talk in typical situations.

### In passing

When you enter a shop, stand at the checkout in the supermarket, or meet a colleague walking by in the office, small talk is limited to a few brief greetings:

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>In passing</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“Hi Tom, how are you?“</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“I’m fine, thanks. How are you?“</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“Good.”</cite> / <cite lang="en">“Great, thank you.”</cite></td>
  </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

If you know the person a little better (such as your colleagues), it's nice to add their first name to the greeting.

### In the elevator

Sometimes situations arise in which a short greeting is not enough. If the elevator takes a little longer, for example, you shouldn't let uncomfortable silence arise. In English-speaking countries, it’s generally considered unfriendly to remain silent. You can, therefore, ask a few friendly questions, such as:

<table>
   <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>In the elevator</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“The weather is lovely, isn't it?”</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“Did you have a great weekend?”</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“How is your day going?”</cite></td>
  </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

### At a meeting

At a business meeting, small talk in English becomes a little more detailed, after all, you do spend more time with your business partners.

If you meet your colleague for the first time, like in most countries, it’s common to greet each other with a short handshake and introduce each other. Then a few general questions can follow to help loosen up the atmosphere:

<table>
   <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>At a meeting</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“How was your flight?”</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“Is your hotel alright?”</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“Is this your first time in Berlin?”</cite></td>
  </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

![meeting people business talking greeting handshake](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/zh52UdUGeIBZpWRfBtCDa/9336a32b46d339d102330c385e181809/meeting_people_business_talking_greeting_handshake.jpg)

### At a party or event

Have you been invited to a party or business event? In the English-speaking world, this is seen as the perfect opportunity to network and make new contacts.

Whether you’re at the buffet, the bar, or a table, it’s completely normal to approach a stranger, introduce yourself, have some small talk, and then look for new conversation partners shortly afterward.

Perhaps this seems a little superficial and intrusive, but for an English native speaker, it’s perceived as quite the opposite—sociable and polite.

The first step is the most difficult—finding a way to start the conversation. The best thing to do is to ask an open-ended question which helps to avoid short “Yes.” or “No.” answers. And since you are at the same event, you automatically have a few things in common that you can use to break the ice:

<table>
   <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>At a party or event</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“How do you know Kate?“</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“What did you think of Peter’s presentation?”</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“Have you tried the cheesecake? It's delicious, isn't it?”</cite></td>
  </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

After a few questions, you can end the encounter with “It was very nice to meet you, Karen!” Say goodbye and look around for a new conversation partner.

### On the phone

Just because the person isn’t in front of you doesn't mean that you can’t engage in some small talk. During a phone call, you should briefly introduce yourself, not forgetting to ask “How are you?” and finally adding a few nice sentences before you start talking about the real reason why you called. A conversation on the phone could look something like this:

_Greeting and small talk_

<table>
   <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>On the phone: Greeting</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“Hello. Tom Roberts speaking.“</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“Hi Tom, this is Mateo Vasquez calling. How are you?”</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“Hi Mateo, I'm good, thank you! I am enjoying the lovely weather here in Brighton. How are you?”</cite></td>
  </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

_Purpose of the call_

<table>
   <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>On the phone: Purpose of call</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“That’s great! I’m doing well, too. I am just calling to ask if we could talk about the email I sent you...”</cite></td>
  </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

_Goodbye_

<table>
   <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>On the phone: Goodbye</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">“Thank you Tom, it’s been a pleasure talking to you!”</cite></td>
  </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

![british english language learning](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5n7gxlErZdwGVNIB6OvyDV/8956a61a2a1294d986739adf40e594d5/british_english_language_learning.jpg)

## Avoid the pitfalls

As relaxed as English small talk may seem, there are some topics that are off-limits. These include religion, politics, and personal issues. After all, you want to create a positive atmosphere and avoid creating an awkward and unpleasant situation.

Perhaps then it’s better not to hit your British partner with a question about Brexit. This is one that could trigger a heated discussion and one that is best left out of the conversation altogether. Britons are generally positive about small talk and value relaxed but polite conversations.

However, one topic that is never off-limits to talk about is the weather. If it’s gray and rainy again outside, then the British like to complain about it. If it’s glorious and sunny out, then the British like to talk about it. Talking about the weather may sound like a cliché and a major [British stereotype](https://www.tandem.net/british-stereotypes-fact-fiction), however, this one is very much true. So if you’re ever stuck on how to start a conversation, a comment on the weather is always a safe and reliable option.

Sticking to harmless, lighthearted topics for small talk is definitely playing it safe in  English-speaking countries. In addition to the weather, topics such as sports, vacation or hobbies are also a safe bet. With this, you can’t step on anyone's toes and if you’re being friendly and showing interest in the person you’re speaking with, you are guaranteed to master small talk in every situation!

## Practice makes perfect!

Now that you know everything there is to know about English small talk, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice so that you are well prepared for your first English conversation. There are a few different possibilities here.

If you prefer to learn with a teacher and practice English small talk in a classroom, then a conversation course would be right for you. Different situations are practiced in a group setting, so you not only learn from your own mistakes, but also from those of other English learners.

Would you like regular personal feedback and have lessons that are tailored specifically to you? Then private lessons or tutoring will get you there faster.

If you are about to have a phone call in English, you can prepare a cheat sheet and read individual sentences from it. Your conversation partner won’t notice and it will save you from stressing out if you suddenly forget something.

## Expressions and phrases for English small talk

Now that you’re ready to start preparing for your next small talk encounter in English, we have put together a PDF document with a few examples of English idioms and phrases. Download it [here](https://assets.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3rmA5sPyJdIti0A54rTSqd/e3ded00403de4014b913b560fa39cb40/Small-talk-English-learn-languages.pdf), practice it regularly and have it on hand to skim over before an important conversation.

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Conversation starter</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Hi Tom, how are you doing?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Fine, thanks! How are you?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Hi, I don't think we have met. I’m Kate.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Nice to meet you.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Nice to see you again.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">I’m sorry, I didn't catch your name.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">I'd like you to meet John.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Let me introduce you to John.</cite></td>
  </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>


<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>The journey</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">How was your flight/trip?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Is your hotel alright?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Is this your first time in Berlin?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">How do you like Berlin?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Did you find us ok?</cite></td>
  </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>


<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>The weather</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">What is the weather like in London?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">It looks like it is going to rain.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">The weather is lovely, isn't it?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Beautiful day, isn't it?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">It is a bit too warm/cold for this time of year, isn't it?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">The weather really has been lovely those last few days, hasn´t it?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">It's quite windy.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">It's pouring.</cite></td>
  </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>


<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Hobbies</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">What do you think about last night's basketball game?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Have you seen this movie? I thought it was amazing!</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Do you like playing tennis?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">I hear you are a passionate tennis player?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Have you seen the match between A and B?</cite></td>
  </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>


<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Vacation</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Do you have any holidays coming up?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">I’ve heard you were in Barcelona last week. How did you like the food there?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">I heard wildlife is fascinating in South Africa. Did you get a chance to see any animals during your trip?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Did you try surfing/diving?</cite></td>
  </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>


<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Closing the conversation</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">It was very nice to meet you.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">It was great talking to you!</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">It was nice seeing you again.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">You, too!</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Sorry, I’ve got to go. I have a meeting/appointment at 3pm.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Take care.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Have a good day!</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Good luck with your new job!</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">I’ll call you later!</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Yes, see you!</cite></td>
  </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>On the phone</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Hi, this is Kate speaking.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">One moment please, I’ll see if John is available.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">I’m afraid he is in a meeting at the moment.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">When can I reach him?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">I'm just calling to...</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">May I interrupt you for a second?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Sorry, I didn't get that. Could you repeat that please?</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Thank you John, it's been a pleasure talking to you.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Thanks for your help Kate. I will see you tomorrow/speak to you soon.</cite></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><cite lang="en">Have a nice day, goodbye!</cite></td>
  </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

Tandem is a great resource for you to practice your small talk with native English speakers. Find like-minded language partners around the world and start chatting via text, audio message, and video call. 

Would you prefer to meet your language partner in person? Not only can you search for suitable language exchange partners in your area on Tandem, but also in the city of your next adventure. [Register on Tandem for free](https://www.tandem.net/signup), choose the language(s) you’re learning and you're good to go!

With our tips and recommendations, you are more than prepared for any English conversation. So the next time you’re standing with someone in an awkward silence, you know what to do!

Safely steer through every conversation in English with this guide! Important phrases to download ✔️ Examples ✔️ Questions ✔️ Tips ✔️

friends talking chatting smalltalk english language learning

How to Master Small Talk and Conversations in English

We thought it would be fitting given Chinese New Year is around the corner, to talk about the best books for understanding Chinese culture. There are many great books out there that cover Chinese history, politics, society, and culture. For the scope of this particular list, we have chosen to focus on a portion of books that have been published in the English language, but there are many written and/or published in various other languages. We hope you find one that piques your curiosity!

__Tandem 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://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) now to connect with people all across the world!__

![Book Books Reading Learning Information](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6k6RJmHlZDfij8s8FXEi55/5f04bdfbe2ccfea0ca8076d1976adeab/Book_Books_Reading_Learning_Information.jpg)

__1. Forgotten Ally: China’s World War II, 1937-1945__
    
   *By Rana Mitter*

World War II was pivotal in shaping China’s worldview. Historian and Author Rana Mitter uncovers China’s past of resistance, invasion, destruction, and political intrigue. Mitter’s focus is to deliver a true understanding of China’s wartime experience which had previously gone virtually unwritten. This book is an indispensable guide to modern-day China and its relationship with the West. It has rightly gone on to be named Book of the Year by both *The Economist* and the *Financial Times*.

__2. Let 100 Voices Speak: How the Internet is Transforming China and Changing Everything__

   *By Liz Carter*

Internet and social media are virally changing the global landscape. Though notorious for having a highly censored society, especially regarding resistance against the official Communist Party, China has over 560 million active Internet users, more than double that of the United States. Liz Carter shows how the Internet in China is leading to a congregation of activists, ordinary people and cultural pioneers on an unprecedented scale.

![Internet Networks Earth Satellite](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/kgEUM9tBmCns2bphkitQ8/0e7ab8dd3bca6c0e27c5b2665b9b5b52/Internet_Networks_Earth_Satellite.jpg)

__3. On China__

   *By Henry Kissinger*

Former United States Secretary of State, Kissinger is recognized for the role he played in China–United States relations during the Nixon administration. In his book “On China”, he examines China from a foreign policy perspective – how they have approached diplomacy, strategy, and negotiation throughout its history. The book is told through Kissinger’s own brand of Realpolitik (German for “practical politics”) with the final chapter reflecting on the consequences for the global balance of power in the 21st century.

__4. China's Economy: What Everyone Needs to Know__

   *By Arthur R. Kroeber*

This choice is a concise introduction to the most astonishing economic growth story of the last three decades. From the economic mismanagement of the Mao era to being the world's second-biggest economy, China's growth has lifted 700 million people out of poverty. In the meantime, they have also created a monumental environmental mess with smog-blanketed cities and carbon emissions that are a leading cause of climate change. This book covers everything you need to know about how China works, where it came from and where it's going.

![China Shanghai Skyline City](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5HopvXQjdp4NwcThi6ssSR/7756c947ac410e0e0f57822f17925afd/China_Shanghai_Skyline_City.jpg)

__5. China in Ten Words__

   *By Yu Hua*

This essay collection by contemporary Chinese author Yu Hua accentuates the spread of graduate unemployment, social complexities and political corruption alongside China’s rapid change into a modernized nation. Framing the book, are the following ten different phrases and concepts, commonly found in the Chinese vernacular: people (人民), leader (领袖), reading (阅读), writing (写作), Lu Xun (鲁迅), revolution (革命), disparity (差距), grassroots (草根), copycat (山寨) and bamboozle (忽悠). 

__6. Oracle Bones__

   *By Peter Hessler*

“Oracle Bones” is a book that explores the human side of China's transformation. He explores growing connections to the Western world through the lives of a handful of ordinary people. Hessler presents a well-researched history of China alongside beautiful descriptions of modern China. You’ll walk away from this book with a greater appreciation for China as a whole and it’s hard-working people.

![China Village River Chinese](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/iMAHX8MJZNTHyGXMGZS7v/fce06b005571a1e7df0e0befdd2b7385/China_Village_River_Chinese.jpg)

__7. Wish Lanterns: Young Lives in New China__

   *By Alec Ash*

The youth are the primary driver of change in any country’s future. Alec Ash, a journalist living in Beijing, explores this group by featuring six young ordinary Han Chinese people. These millennials are dislocated from their country's tumultuous past and are caught between tradition and modernity. Following individual lives, “Wish Lanterns” unveils the conflicts and challenges, dreams and wishes of China's future.

__8. Pop Culture China! Media, Arts, and Lifestyle__

   *By Kevin Latham*

China's release from Maoist austerity has produced an explosion in popular culture. Latham goes deep into the roots of Chinese pop culture to the early days of the 20th century and the Cultural Revolution. It discusses the mass media – print media, cinema and film, and modern technology– while also divulging into the rise of consumption and consumerism. Being published in 2007, this work might miss some of the more contemporary forms of popular culture, however, it presents the emerging culture of a country that will inevitably become increasingly influential in the coming years.

Given Chinese New Year is around the corner, we thought it would be fitting  to talk about the best books for understanding Chinese culture. Enjoy!

China Chinese Lunar New Year

The Best Books for Understanding the Chinese Culture

“How are you?” 

This question can catch the tourists off guard if they are unfamiliar with the language and culture of a country. “Do they really want to know about how I am feeling or are they just being polite?” is a common thought amongst those in uncharted territory. Let’s take a look at "How are you?" and what it means around the world.

## Britain and America

“How are you?” is generally a fixed expression in the English language which has essentially lost its literal meaning. It is used as a polite greeting to practically any person we meet. Admittedly, it’s quite a disingenuous and superficial question as it doesn’t necessarily require a reply or else the typical response is “I’m good thanks, you?.”

When spoken, however, this phrase can convey different meanings depending on which word is accented. “How are *you*?” (emphasis on the “you”) generally comes across as a polite greeting, but “How *are* you?” (emphasis on the “are”) has a more sincere tone or even a tone of concern.

![London Bridge Britain](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6siFz0KXToeaAdp799vXYh/8a8b16f452740afba0dfd65a588ffa8c/London_Bridge_Britain.jpg)

## Scandinavia

If you want to be polite in Scandinavia, you have to be polite in a Scandinavian way – being earnest and straight. Therefore, a stranger asking “How are you?” is not necessarily seen as polite since they are generally uninterested in the answer.

In Swedish, for example, ”Hur är läget?” (How’s it going?) or ”Hur är det?” (How is it?) is rather only common among friends and other close relations having full knowledge that they might be opening themselves up to quite a lengthy conversation.

![Scandinavia Norway](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/7AgqMAsOdhQveiSYjXkmJy/390bea95a4f218c889318ea8be84a5f4/Scandinavia_Norway.jpg)

## Russia

Russians like to ask about your mood. When they do, they are ready to hear the full story. Similar to western cultures, when asked: “How are you?” (Kak dela?), a suitable reply can be “Khorosho spasibo, a u vas?” (fine thanks, and you?). This brief answer is accepted between people who don’t know each other well or during a business interaction, for example.

If you are quite close to the person, however, this brief response may come across as being insincere. The correct etiquette would then be to add more emotion and explanation to your response – “Ya ustal(a). Ya segodnya mnogo rabotal” (I’m tired. I worked hard today).

## China

In China, people often greet one another with, 你吃了吗？(nǐ chīle ma?) meaning “Have you eaten?” Answering this question is always a polite yes, regardless of your current state of hunger. Greeting in this way is very casual and much more common than asking how one is doing.

你好吗？(Nǐ hǎo ma?) meaning “How are you?” or 你怎么样？(nǐ zěn me yàng?) meaning “What’s up?” is more commonly asked when two people, typically close relations, have not seen each other for some time.

![China Shanghai](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1mPG3XFnJK96JR7URqJNUg/cdba354565f0e2f04e7be4128ab7fa88/China_Shanghai.jpg)

## Spain and Latin America

"¿Cómo estás?" is the most basic way to say "How are you?." This phrase is appropriate in almost any context and when talking to almost any person, whether you knew them previously or not. Spanish-speakers typically don't take this question literally and would generally respond with “Bien, gracias” (Good, thank you). If you wanted to genuinely find out how someone is feeling, you would say rather "¿Cómo te sientes?."

Alternatives to “¿Cómo estás?” are typically considered pretty casual and should only be used in relatively informal social situations, with people you know. These may include "¿Qué pasa?", "¿Qué tal?" and "¿Qué haces?."

## Middle East

“Kifak” (to a male) or “Kifik” (to a female) is the most common way to say “How are you?” in Arabic speaking countries. As with English, in Arabic they rarely think about the response and often respond with a standard “Fine” or “Good” regardless of how they are actually feeling.

The question usually calls for a formulaic response – “Lhamdella” (Thanks, God) or “Mnih” (Well or Good) – rather than an actual description of your current condition. If you’re not feeling so good, you can also reply with “Meshe lhal” (The situation is walking). However, if speaking to a friend, you can give a more honest response.

![Middle East Arabic UAE](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/2ourXJjG7v1KQJBTDSPH75/dc13b72f8573f0aa5918fb92d78525e0/Middle_East_Arabic_UAE.jpg)

This question is becoming more and more understood as a polite greeting under the impact and spread of American and Anglo-Saxon culture around the world. Though it may be uncommon in certain languages and cultures, locals are understanding when it comes to foreign visitors. So, don't worry if you don't get it right!

__With millions of members, Tandem is the largest global language learning community 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 today](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) - it’s free!__

Let’s take a look at "How are you?" and what it means around the world. It is a ubiquitous phrase but can cause confusion if you’re in an unfamiliar environment. 

Friends Travel

"How Are You?" and What It Means Around the World

O’zapft is! Oktoberfest is here! The world’s largest beer festival is currently taking place in the centre of Munich, Germany. This incredible celebration of all things Bavarian is world-famous, but how much do you actually know about the festival? We decided to ask our Bavarian members for the craziest facts about Oktoberfest. They did not disappoint! Here are our 16 favourite fun facts about the festival.

__Looking for a way to boost your language skills quickly and effectively? Our [Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) 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!__

![DBC118AE-83C1-457E-A77E-6068BD77758B](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/h12rC7fGmzFTFEAeELaxz/94405d5a2b5ea436e24a4e33cc4c6d57/DBC118AE-83C1-457E-A77E-6068BD77758B.JPG)
 
## One 
This year it is the 186th Oktoberfest! It has happened in Munich most years since 1810, only being cancelled in the face of war or cholera outbreaks.

## Two
It is forbidden to drink any beer other than Munich-brewed beer at Oktoberfest. The beer must have been brewed in the city walls and come from one of six special history breweries. This is designated “Oktoberfestbier” - and all of the breweries are very very proud to be making it!

## Three

Oktoberfestbier is stronger than normal beer, at around 6%. The variety is called Märzen as it is brewed in March and allowed to age so that it is ready to drink by late summer.

## Four

Locals don’t call it Oktoberfest. Instead, they call it the “[Wies’n](https://www.tandem.net/11-bavarian-phrases-beer-halls-oktoberfest)”, after the Theresenwiese field where Oktoberfest is held each year.

## Five

Though Oktoberfest is world-famous, it is still predominantly attended by Bavarians. 72% of the guests are from Bavaria itself, with 15% coming from outside Germany.

## Six

It doesn’t start in October. Rather, it begins in mid-September and usually finishes on the first or second day of October.

## Seven

The first Oktoberfest was held to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, and was originally a horse race with no particular focus on beer.

## Eight

Albert Einstein actually worked at Oktoberfest when he was young, putting up beer tents.

![albert-einstein-1933340 1920 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/31dtAAA4NwAqTTlYCrHIzm/6ed1a52a8b17dc982f419dd93159098d/albert-einstein-1933340_1920__1_.jpg)

## Nine

More than 6 million people attend Oktoberfest, and the largest tent seats 11,000 people - and that’s just one of the 13 that make up the festival.

## Ten

Oktoberfest starts with a gun salute on the first Saturday at 12pm, followed by the mayor of Munich tapping the first beer keg, with the cry “O’zapft is’!”. This literally means “it is tapped!” in the Bavarian dialect. Technically, drinking should not begin before this announcement - but locals still queue from 6am on the day to get a good spot in the beer tents.

## Eleven

The “oompah” bands at Oktoberfest are famous for their unusual regional brass instruments, including the Alpenhorn, which was traditionally used as a way to calm down anxious cows around milking times in the Swiss Alps.

## Twelve

The most popular things to eat at Oktoberfest are grilled chicken (“Hendl”), pork knuckles (“Schweinshaxe”), and oxen (“Osche”). The amount of chickens eaten FAR outweighs the amount of sausages!

## Thriteen

You are as likely to hear traditional Bavarian folk songs as pop classics like “YMCA” and “Sweet Caroline”. By later in the evening, everyone is dancing on the benches.

## Fourteen

Oktoberfest is famous for its fairground. It got its first roller coaster in 1908 - the first ever roller coaster in Germany.

## Fifteen

The amount of beer drunk at Oktoberfest could fill more than three Olympic-sized swimming pools.

## Sixteen!

Servers at Oktoberfest are able to carry 10 Maß (litre glasses of beer) at once. Pretty impressive!

![oktoberfest-968238 1920 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/29TrG3CIfKMBJootBOh4Se/58266c5d650128287daf43416ee1272a/oktoberfest-968238_1920__1_.jpg)

O’zapft is! Oktoberfest is here! This incredible celebration of all things Bavarian is world-famous, but how many of these crazy facts do you know?

carnival

16 Crazy Facts about Oktoberfest

Tandem’s core value is to unite people across borders. We believe that language is the key to integration and cultural exchange. With [World Refugee Day](https://www.un.org/en/events/refugeeday/index.shtml) fast approaching on June 20th, we want to show solidarity by adding to the conversation and help raise awareness of the current global refugee crisis.

## What is World Refugee Day?

World Refugee Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world. It is celebrated on the 20th June every year since 2000 and was created by the [United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)](https://www.un.org/en/ga/).

## What is the official definition of the term refugee?

[The UN Refugee Agency](https://www.unrefugees.org/refugee-facts/what-is-a-refugee/) (UNHCR) defines a refugee to be...

*“someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Most likely, they cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and ethnic, tribal and religious violence are leading causes of refugees fleeing their countries.”*

There are currently [25.4 million refugees](https://www.unhcr.org/figures-at-a-glance.html) worldwide, half of whom are under the age of 18. An additional 3.1 million of whom are asylum-seekers who are waiting between a period of six months to several years for their asylum to be granted. This equates to 44,400 people being forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution every day. These figures are the highest ever seen.

![t-chick-mcclure-609632-unsplash copy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5dZCh3Zua0E5cAQkRJZu9C/ceca33d9482f74188996acf915c278e3/t-chick-mcclure-609632-unsplash_copy.jpg)

## What happens on World Refugee Day?

There are lots of events happening on June 20th in different countries. Many famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Empire State Building in New York, are lighted up in blue, the color of the United Nations. In Glasgow, Scotland, people hold hands to form an enormous human chain around George Square, in the city center, to show the world that Scotland welcomes refugees. In many cities, there are film showings, exhibitions, and various fundraising events. You can check out the UNCHR events [here](https://www.unhcr.org/withrefugees/world-refugee-day/).


## How can I support refugees?

__Travel:__

Traveling is so important to keep an open mind and expose yourself to new experiences that you would not have at home. It reveals different ways of life, ways of thinking and can permanently alter the way we see the world. Learning and speaking a new language allows you to communicate with new people and adds diversity to your network of friends.

__Share their stories:__

Share this blog and any other media posts or stories that help raise awareness about the refugee situation and use the hashtag #WithRefugees to help advocate for equality. Duolingo has put together a very powerful and emotional documentary called “Something Like Home” which is definitely worth your time to watch. It is about the impact of language and education on the lives of Syrian refugees in Turkey and Jordan.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QcX6i2qp6w0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

__Volunteer and donate:__

Have a look and see if there is a local refugee camp or center in your area that needs volunteers or donations such as clothes, food or books. You can also choose to donate money directly to the center or through the official [UNHCR](https://donate.unhcr.org/int/general/~my-donation#) website. Another way to volunteer is to offer a specific skill that can help refugees feel part of the community. This could be offering to teach the local language, starting a sports club for refugees or coaching a team. 

__Host:__

The [Refugees Welcome](https://www.refugees-welcome.net/#details) initiative began in Germany in 2014 as a way to match those with a spare room with refugees in need; it has since expanded into 20 countries. [Open Homes](https://www.airbnb.com/openhomes), an Airbnb project, let hosts offer their space for free to refugees and displaced people. The UNHCR recently published an inspiring series of stories profiling refugees and their hosts across Europe. If you’re interested, you can check out their stories [here](https://www.unhcr.org/no-stranger-place).

__Employ refugees:__

Refugees can be seen as guests rather than a vital member of society. It is important to include refugees who are permitted to work into the workplace because they can add great diversity and skills to a company. In January 2017, [Starbucks](https://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/29/starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz-we-will-hire-10000-refugees.html) pledged to hire 10,000 refugees globally over five years. In Berlin, Refugees are [working as tour guides](https://www.unhcr.org/news/stories/2016/6/576d29884/berlin-refugee-guides-show-cultural-riches-home.html) in museums showing tourists cultural riches from home.

__Hold awareness and fundraising events:__

This can be done wherever you are; in your communities, schools or workplace. Run a half marathon, do a sponsored swim or put on a raffle. Online websites such as [GoFundMe](https://www.gofundme.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Fundraising_DE_EN_BMM&utm_content=Fundraising_Platform&utm_term=%2Bfundraising%20%2Bplatform_b_c_&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6IfoBRCiARIsAF6q06u5D3DC-dtRFFpgGom2u9mJTrK7K-GZs8cRYzxnsXdToNK3Lu34MrAaAgdLEALw_wcB) make it easy for you to set up a fundraising campaign and for your supporters to donate. You can also use UNCHR materials and resources such as banners, T-shirts or posters by contacting your local UNHCR office.

![nate-greno-1218591-unsplash copy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/4K9f3C7C3far1YNYjLwoSo/6cade5c1ed69134a5c8585fe952b8c80/nate-greno-1218591-unsplash_copy.jpg)

## How Tandem supports refugee integration

Culture brings people together no matter what part of the world you are living in. Culture is a type of language which does not require any interpreters, but yet has the power to unite people. Whether it be language, dance or music, culture can connect people of different origins and religions, and enable mutual understanding.

Tandem makes language learning accessible to people all over the world. We enable people to come together across borders by connecting people with native speakers all over the world. Over the years, we've received countless amounts of stories from people sharing how learning a new language has impacted their lives in our [Tandem Tales](https://www.tandem.net/category/tandem-tales) series. Languages hold great power for unity, inclusivity, and equality. In an increasingly interconnected world, global understanding, through language and cultural exchange, has never been more critical.

__The Tandem app isn’t just about language exchange, it’s also about cultural exchange and fostering meaningful conversations with people from all over the world. Break down barriers and celebrate diversity by downloading our [Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) now!__

Language learning is key to integration and cultural exchange. With the upcoming World Refugee Day, we want to help raise awareness of the current global refugee crisis.

Refugee day

World Refugee Day: Language Learning and Cultural Exchange

Chinese festivals are well known for being colorful spectacles filled with ancient tradition, extended family, and of course food. You can expect the celebrations to be full of significance and flavor! Here at Tandem, we love finding out more about these interesting events. Today, we're sharing fascinating traditions from an upcoming festival with a slight competitive edge - the Dragon Boat Festival! We've found out all you need to know about this exciting time in the Chinese calendar, as well as supplying you with some commonly used words and phrases to try out with your Tandem partner.

__The Tandem app isn’t just about language exchange, it’s also about cultural exchange and fostering meaningful conversations with people from all over the world. Break down barriers and celebrate diversity by [downloading](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) our Tandem app now!__

![dragon-boat-festival](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/2sWHVwB69TQmddn2k7zxcI/7d6d7b51fb641026f8e95927a64a9bd9/cheng-feng-v3pkHWvlrIU-unsplash.jpg)

## So, what and when is the Dragon Boat festival?

The ‘Dragon Boat Festival’ as it’s referred to in English, or ‘Duān wǔ jié (端午节)’ in Mandarin and ‘Tuen Ng (端午節)’ in Cantonese, occurs on the 5th day of the 5th month of the traditional Chinese calendar, and this year falls on 25th June.

## Why is it celebrated?

The Festival serves as a time to commemorate the life and death of famous Chinese scholar and Poet Qu Yuan. The popular poet chose to down himself during the invasion of his country (the details of this tragedy remain hotly contested today). He drowned himself on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month and legend has it that at the time of Qu Yuan’s death, local people raced their boats to search for his body and dropped rice into the river so fish would feast on the rice instead. Today, the Festival is still celebrated on the anniversary of his death as a time of remembrance, worship and health-related customs, such as getting rid of bad spirits and disease.

## What are the Dragon Boat races?

The famous Dragon Boat Races are held in traditional paddled longboats, each ornamented with a dragon’s head at the front of the boat. The races are a symbol of how the local people attempted to recover the body of Qu Yuan. The tradition of racing boats and dropping rice into the river continues today.

## Where is the Festival celebrated?

Traditionally, the Festival was celebrated in Chinese fishing communities but today the races are popular with businesses, schools, and institutions who take the opportunity to race boats too! The Festival is a public holiday in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan but it is also celebrated in other countries with a large Asian diaspora.

## What food is eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival?

Like many cultural celebrations, food and drink is a large part of the tradition - some would even say it is the most important part! Here are a few of the most famous dishes that are prepared and eaten as part of the festivities:

**Zongzi (粽子):** This food (most synonymous with the festival) is a sticky rice dumpling filled with various fillings such as egg yolk, lotus seeds, red bean paste, pork and more. The dumpling is [artfully wrapped](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS06TnqYFeE) in bamboo leaves and tied with string or a plant stem to keep the filling inside.

![Zong Zi dragon boat festival](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5hZhririgrm8GvwYDNnp0U/30d843976e555144727805879e7ceefb/Zong-Zi-dragon-boat-festival.jpeg)

**Congee (糜):** Congee is a rice porridge eaten with a variety of savory toppings, most often for breakfast. Wu (午) in the name ‘Duanwu’ (Dragon Boat Festival in Mandarin), has the same pronunciation as the number 5, and so many regions eat a type of congee made from 5 different beans on the morning of the festival.

**Jiandui (煎堆):** Jiandui is a hollow, round, sweet pastry made from wheat and rice flour and coated in sesame seeds. Legend dictates that as the rainy season coincides with the festival, eating this round pastry would help block the holes in the sky and prevent the rain from falling.

## What other famous traditions come from the Dragon Boat Festival?

A lot of Dragon Boat traditions center around keeping spirits and disease at bay, with the methods for doing so varying greatly from region to region. Some traditions date back 2000 years! Here are some of the most interesting ones: 

**Beijing:** Market vendors sell cherries and mulberries around the Dragon Boat festival season. It is believed that by eating these two fruits, you will not accidentally swallow any flies for the next year.

**Guangdong Province (South East China):** People wash their eyes and faces with water that has been mixed with burnt papers. The water is then poured onto the road as a symbol of preventing any disasters in the future.

**Sichuan Province (Western China):** To the sound of drums and gongs, four people work as a group and use two bamboo poles to carry a big square desk through the city streets to drive our disease. The desk is covered with a red carpet and on the carpet is a painting of a bamboo Taoist priest riding a tiger.

## A Dragon Boat Phrasebook

There’s no better way to find out about the Dragon Boat festival than by asking your [Tandem partner!](https://www.tandem.net/tandem-tips-learning-chinese-language-exchange/) Make sure you start off your conversation the right way, by using some suitable words and phrases in Mandarin Chinese that are commonly used during this season:

Dragon Boat Festival — Duān wǔ jié (端午节) 

Happy Dragon Boat Festival! — Duān wǔ jié kuài lè (端午节快乐) 

Dragon Boat Race — lóngzhōu sài (龙舟赛) 

Good Luck! — zhù nǐ hǎo yùn (祝你好运) 

Do you celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival? — Nǐ shìfǒu qìngzhù duānwǔ jié? (你是否庆祝端午节?) 

Do you like eating Zongzi? — nǐ xǐ huɑn chī zònɡ zi mɑ? (你喜欢吃粽子吗?) 

Have you been in a dragon boat race before? — Nǐ yǐqián zài lóngzhōu lǐguòguò ma? (你以前划过龙舟吗?) 

What traditions do you take part in during the Dragon Boat Festival? — Duānwǔ jié qíjiān nín huì cānjiā nǎxiē chuántǒng? (端午节期间你会遵循哪些传统?)

The Chinese Dragon Boat Festival is a colorful spectacle with a competitive twist. Find out all about the amazing traditions of the festival here.

dragon-boat-festival

Dragon Boat Festival: Top Traditions to Help You Celebrate

Thanks to its lifelong love affair with compound nouns, the German language certainly has its fair share of funny words and weird phrases. German boasts many unique, highly-specific words that have no literal English translation. This is one of the greatest things about learning languages, to discover words which exist in one language but don’t have any equivalent in your own – or any other for that matter! 

We have also put together some [beautiful German words](https://www.tandem.net/11-beautiful-german-words) over in our other blog post if you are feeling extra intrigued by the German language. But for now, let’s get on with some hilarious German words and strange German phrases!


![giphy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3vXH1IUV8fZUTmX368PsTo/82babef3ab781683e884465f539f715e/giphy.gif)


__Your language learning journey will require some helpful tools and resources to gain fluency. That is why [Tandem](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) is here to help! With the Tandem app, we connect language learners to native speakers to help them speak any language, anywhere.__

## Kummerspeck
When you are going through a relationship breakup or other times of sadness, it’s common to put on a few pounds of "Kummerspeck." Literally meaning "grief bacon," this is the weight put on by emotional eating. So when you find yourself on the couch watching Bridget Jones’ Diary with a tub of ice cream, you are in fact feeding your grief bacon (or possibly turning into grief bacon itself).

## Der Drahtesel
Knowing that “Draht” means wire and "Esel” means donkey doesn’t really help you understand what “der Drahtesel” is supposed to mean. In German, you would use this word when talking about an old, rusty bike that looks like it’s going to completely fall apart.

![eric-crawford-117911-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1AfijhVrtDHRUkNXRoG8tt/991e329ae99dd3274643d6d1a49c9846/eric-crawford-117911-unsplash.jpg)

## Sie spielt die beleidigte Leberwurst
We don’t really know where this one came from. Literally meaning “she’s playing the insulted sausage,” is there any better way to say that a person is all worked up? We don’t think so. 


## Wildpinkler
This one describes someone who avoids the toilet and likes to relieve themselves outside —  literally a “wild pee-er.” Sounds harmless right? It was recently revealed that "Wildpinklers" are actually eroding the ancient walls of Ulm Minster, the tallest church in the world.

## Schnappsidee
I think we have all experienced this one. A “Schnappsidee,” or quite literally a Schnapps idea, is an idea you had while drunk that you will probably regret in the morning. Who knew that calling your ex was a bad idea? 

## Feuchtfröhlich
Speaking of drinking, this one might come in handy for the weekend 😉 “Feuchtfröhlich,” literally translating to "wet happy," is an adjective for describing an occasion where the alcohol is flowing — because who isn't jolly when cocktails are involved? An example of this used in a sentence would be, “ein feuchtfröhlicher Abend.”
 
 ![kelsey-chance-575541-unsplash (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/2F0t59amRMby4PhNfWU0pT/189f55105b544cef1e6017f334d26409/kelsey-chance-575541-unsplash__1_.jpg)
 
## Hüftgold
Literally translating to “hip gold,” "Hüftgold" are love handles or a muffin top in English. So for those of you lucky to have a bit of weight on your hips, you have struck gold!

## Kopfkino
This one can cause us a bit of stress. Literally “head cinema,” "Kopfkino" is the act of playing out an entire scenario in your mind. Who else loves the logical reasoning of words in German? 

## Jetzt geht’s um die Wurst 
Literally translating to “now it’s about the sausage,” the English equivalent would be “all or nothing.” You know the Germans are serious when it’s about a sausage!

## Du bist das Gelbe vom Ei 
I think everyone's favorite part of the egg is the yolk. It is no surprise then that the literal translation, “you are the yellow of the egg” means “you are all I’m looking for” in English.

![boiled-egg-bread-egg-160850](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1ODRaZ6lvM8Opdz2kPlLFh/5204e8dd7ee59a6f78d035c069f8d3e5/boiled-egg-bread-egg-160850.jpg)


There is no question that the German language boasts amazingly creative words. Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of funny German words and phrases so, if you would like to learn more about the German language then head over to [smarterGerman](https://courses.smartergerman.com/). We also know some of these sound too strange to be true, however, we swear we haven’t made any of them up!

## Oh, One More Thing...

If this article wasn’t reason enough to start learning German, let us give you one more!

__[The Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u)__ is the best way to gain fluency in any language. With millions of members, Tandem is one of the largest language learning communities out there! Tandem lets you connect with native German speakers all over the world, and practice speaking German via text, voice notes, and video calling. Immerse yourself in the German language and culture, and speak your way to fluency, __for free!__

More of a traveler? Connect with native German speakers ahead of your trip by using the “search by city” Pro feature, or the “near me” Pro feature for when you are already there! Still getting your head around the German language? Use our in-app translation feature to help compose a message or translate an incoming one. Correct your Tandem partner's message or add a comment to help them learn and progress. Still not sure about German pronunciation? Simply tap on the message you want to hear and choose the “speak” option. Einfach!

Private lessons more your thing?

With Tandem Tutors, you can master the German language even quicker. Our Tutors are certified professionals who offer one-on-one lessons anytime, anywhere. With Tandem Tutors, it’s easy to find someone who matches your style and works around your schedule.

__[Download the Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) and master the German language now!__

These funny German words and weird German phrases sound too strange to be true, however, we swear we haven’t made any of them up!

German flag

Funny German Words and Phrases You Need to Know

Ever since the theme of this year’s Eurovision was revealed earlier this year— “Dare To Dream”—  we could hardly contain our excitement for the Eurovision Song Contest 2019! With the grand final on the 18th May approaching ever so quickly, we decided to put together some fun facts about the Eurovision and some of the craziest performances on the Eurovision stage to get you in the Eurovision spirit.

The Eurovision is an international song contest, broadcasted by the European Broadcasting Union, that showcases multicultural talent. 41 countries will be participating in Expo Tel Aviv at Eurovision 2019. The Eurovision has been running since 1956, making it the longest-running international television contest and the world’s biggest live music event with 186 million viewers internationally last year.

![Eurovision Song Contest 2019](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/4sG1QCpRyMQODS8fydQUTV/8e9fae779db49528b8bf32b8a3f211fb/audience-band-celebration-1190298_copy.jpg)

## Fun facts about the Eurovision:

1. In 1968, Spain's song titled “La La La” contained no fewer than 138 La's, and it won.
2. A rule was introduced in 1966 that a song must be performed in one of the official languages of the participating country. 
3. The contest is broadcasted around five different continents.
4. No country ever to perform second on the final night has ever gone on to win the contest.
5. The United Kingdom gave ABBA ‘nul points’ for its performance in 1974.
6. The longest running losers are the Cypriots, having never made the top four.

## Craziest Eurovision performances:

Would the Eurovision be Eurovision without some outrageous, cringe-worthy and memorable performances? Take a trip down memory lane and reminisce with us about some weird songs and performances that shocked us!

__Lordi — “Hard Rock Hallelujah” (Finland, 2006)__

Being the only hard rock / heavy metal band to have won the contest, how can we forget these terrifying creatures? If it wasn’t the monster masks and horror elements, it was definitely the insane whiplash we experienced that kept us up at night. 

![Lordi copy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/4Q0SGckoaMuuOQW6Y9x1S4/8b9debd160c0eca043664e241ec1124f/Lordi_copy.jpg)

__Verka Serduchka — “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” (Ukraine, 2007)__

I don’t think this catchy tune or the aluminium outfits has ever left our minds. It was as if the Tin Man lost his way from the Yellow Brick Road and stumbled into an eccentric nightclub with his tin man friends. Our personal favorite. 

![giphy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/629JQBeEaLyMWgFtfph6m9/cc4c6469f68b4cb4cb8e07d75a84a38a/giphy.gif)

__Dustin the Turkey — “Irelande Douze Points” (Ireland, 2008)__

I feel like we don’t need reminding of this cringe-worthy performance but we just had to mention it! Though Ireland remains the most successful Eurovision nation with a record seven wins, for good reason, Dustin didn’t make it past the semi-finals in 2008.

![ESC 2008 - Ireland - Dustin the Turkey, 1st semifinal](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/4gL9xcRg7F5BOHDCK0oX3L/63cf86eb235ec3a582d185e02ded3b4b/ESC_2008_-_Ireland_-_Dustin_the_Turkey__1st_semifinal.jpg)

__Sunstroke Project & Olia Tira — Run Away (Moldova, 2010)__

Though the vocals were pretty standard for the Eurovision, it was the seriously catchy sax instrumental that made this tune stay in our heads for such a long time. I think we all tried to mimic his dance moves while pretending to play the sax. That fiddle player must have suffered some serious dizziness after the performance too!

![giphy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/4CirSUfxJHQhqTTJFOxbTd/299271683b9d6b61b95415367eed77c2/giphy.gif)

__Buranovskiye Babushki — “Party For Everybody” (Russia, 2012)__

Ahh, The Grannies from Buranovo. We all know and love babushkas in one way or another. The performance starts with the grannies baking cookies and singing a sweet song (as grandmothers do), and then the beat drops! They disperse from the kitchen and begin syncopated bopping, swaying and elaborate arm movements. Inspiring enough to [learn some Russian](https://www.tandem.net/learn-russian-online)? I think we all want to party with these grannies!

![Buranovskiye Babushki 2011 14](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/2hjNUUKdMABAM6VQu7E7S7/b468cfe12c4f799281b64ff08824c9e7/Buranovskiye_Babushki_2011_14.jpg)

__Cezar — “It’s My Life” (Romania, 2013)__

Though mostly naked backup dancers and Eurovision pyrotechnics are a standard, this opera-esque banger definitely took us all by surprise! If it wasn’t the mood change of the song, it was definitely the sudden levitation.

![1280px-ESC2013 - Romania 04](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/qc1zNWkenxseS9HBEoZX6/e1e8820cbe5c3c5e71ed028827d0fbca/1280px-ESC2013_-_Romania_04.jpg)

## Tandem’s Thoughts on Eurovision's 2019 Contestants:

We hope this year’s performances are just as memorable as those we have just mentioned. With the Netherlands tipped to win the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest, we are finding it difficult to pick our favorite, however, we do have some opinions on the entrants for the 2019 song contest in Tel Aviv.

We are intrigued by Iceland’s song “Hatrið mun sigra" and anxiously anticipating the no doubt jaw-dropping performance. We are thinking a shock-fest similar to Lordi 2006, with lots of horror, chains, and leather elements. 

Spain’s song "La Venda" is getting us into the mood to shake our hips and party on a beach at sunset. All we need are some cocktails and trumpet players! 

San Marino’s "Say Na Na Na" can’t help but give us a “Gunther” vibe, which if you don’t know what we are talking about, just google “Gunther- Ding Dong Song” (you’re welcome). Although, with the disco beat, we can’t help but throw some shakes on the dancefloor.

![giphy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6gOQtkJXs0DDXxFiPUhrsR/39087fa89178321ccf651b4f53abe26a/giphy.gif)

The very pop-y Azerbaijan song "Truth" is one that belongs in the charts. This song definitely doesn’t have the traditional Eurovision sound to it, which we are loving, although this one has sadly just missed out on being in our top four.

Speaking of the charts, Estonia’s "Storm" is also giving us Avicii and David Guetta sounds, which we can’t help but love.

We have a soft spot for Albania’s "Ktheju Tokës," with an alternative sound to the very current (and honestly very done) pop music. We love how it is giving us eastern sounds which is right back to its roots.

Australia’s entry with their song "Zero Gravity" can’t help but give us some serious Romania 2013 vibes, with the opera sound and some serious elevation. How do they get up so high?

We think we are all anticipating the host country’s song. Israel’s entry "Home" is very different from their Eurovision 2018 song “Toy” with an emotional and powerful ballad. Does anyone else think of Freddie Mercury when you see this music video? Just me, ok. 

We have to mention Portugal’s song "Telemóveis" which gives us serious Bollywood crossed with Edward Scissorhands wearing Nike vibes 🤔. Definitely, one to watch this year!

However, though we love all the entries mentioned above, our top favorites are:

Greece with "Better Love"— that voice though! This tune can’t help but inspire us and make us cry at the same time. We are just hoping the performance is just as beautiful as the music video.

Italy really got it right this year with "Soldi.” This is the ultimate catchy tune and we love how they kept the lyrics in Italian!

Malta’s "Chameleon" is a trendy and current vibe whilst also giving a fresh sound. We just can’t wait to see how they will perform this!

With Switzerland tipped to come in third with the song "She Got Me," we think this song could go on to win! Though this tune is very current and pop-y we can’t help but love the Jason Derulo vibe with the Arabian / middle eastern-esque beat.


## The Eurovision Party:

When we hear the word Eurovision it is usually closely followed by the word party. The annual Eurovision party is a time to come together, get the drinking games going and appreciate the diverse talents of our neighboring countries (and Australia). The bunting and flags are out in all their glory, both as decoration and outfits, and the arguments about who has control over the television remote can get very heated! Your friends seemingly divide into two distinct groups: those who love the Eurovision Song Contest and those who find it to be an absolute cringe-fest (maybe losing that remote was not so accidental after all). However, despite the chaos, a Eurovision watched alone is never as much fun!

![206KB](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/79WCP4spa0OFFFgTumUAJT/e4d3af3e4e9a0d5e80e4348029b4dc5d/206KB.jpg)

## Strike the right chord with your Tandem partner! 

Here at Tandem, we always strive to motivate our community to learn any language, anywhere. Following the success of our [football Fanzone](https://www.tandem.net/tandem-world-cup-fanzone/) last summer, Tandem is rolling out a new dedicated feature to get our members talking about the world’s biggest song contest. Because music really does make the world go round! 

Due to launch early May, this Eurovision feature brings together fans of the song contest and helps our members to get the conversation started with new Tandem partners! You can also show support for your favorite act and check which country stands at the top of the leaderboard on the “Standings” tab. A little friendly competition never hurt nobody! 😉 

So even if you are not a party goer, you can still share some giggles, memories and speak the language you’re learning with your Tandem partner! Expand your horizons and [join](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) the language community where millions of people help each other to learn languages.

![giphy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/2eWAi1VSAdFLfkdGkaoeOB/b417d287e3949c91f61513d8ffee27ab/giphy.gif)

We have put together some fun facts and crazy performances on the Eurovision stage to get in the spirit for the Eurovision Song Contest 2019!

Song Contest 2019

Eurovision Song Contest 2019: Fun Facts and Craziest Performances 

If you know anything at all about Chinese culture, you’ll know that September/October brings a very special event to the region, the Mid-Autumn Festival. A major holiday in many parts of Asia, the Mid-Autumn Festival happens on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar with full moon at night. It is often called “Moon Festival” for this reason. It is the second most important festival in China after [Lunar New Year](https://www.tandem.net/preparations-lunar-new-year)!

This year the festival is happening on 13th September, so, to celebrate, we asked our community to give us the low-down on the festival’s history and traditions. Here are the top facts you need to know before celebrating one of the most famous festivals of East Asia!

__The Tandem app isn’t just about language exchange, it’s also about cultural exchange and fostering meaningful conversations with people from all over the world. Break down barriers and celebrate diversity by [downloading the app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) now!__

## 1. When was the first Mid-Autumn festival?

First off: this festival is ANCIENT. Believe it or not, the Mid-Autumn Festival has been around for more than 1000 years! It was first established as a holiday in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) but is believed that Mid-Autumn Festival originated from the custom of worshiping the moon back in Zhou dynasty over 3000 years ago. 

Ancient Chinese emperors traditionally used the Mid-Autumn Festival to pray for the harvest, fine weather and peace for the country. Because the harvest was tied to the moon cycle, the festival is meant to take place when the moon is at its fullest. Some rulers took it incredibly seriously - Empress Dowager Cixi (late 19th century) loved it so much she took five days out of her busy schedule every year to stage elaborate moon-worship rituals.

![empress dowager cixi](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1CNiCjNeSKwGYNSrl5s9Ff/80f4e294a85949ccfa1a117fd3204336/The_Portrait_of_the_Qing_Dynasty_Cixi_Imperial_Dowager_Empress_of_China_in_the_1900s.jpg)

## 2. Who was Chang'e?

You might have heard from your Chinese friends that someone called Chang’e “lives in the moon”. Sounds a bit crazy, but actually it’s one of the biggest myths surrounding the Mid-Autumn Festival. Chang’e is a famous Moon Goddess of immortality from Chinese tradition, and traditionally, offerings are made to her during the Moon Festival. There are actually dozens of different myths about how she came to gaze at the moon. One famous one involves Chang’e swallowing some pills belonging to her husband that gave her immortality and the ability to fly. Because she was immortal, she decided to live on the moon alone for ever.

## 3. What are the main symbols of the mid-Autumn festival?

The moon itself is, of course, the biggest symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival. In some places, people still worship the moon, just as they did 3,000 years ago. Usually, they put food and fruits on the table towards the moon, praying for luck. The Jade Rabbit is another symbol that people in China associate with the moon and the festival. The markings of the moon are said to look like a rabbit holding a mortar and pestle, and this rabbit is a companion of Chang’e on the moon.

![jade rabbit](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/7LMr67jq2A5EMk6IV6UyAg/c2f69333f552d11084989407c4b7f65f/noah-silliman-160853.jpg)


## 4. What is a mooncake?

Sharing and eating mooncakes is hands-down the most important way to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival. Though in different parts of China, people may celebrate differently, eating mooncakes is the one consistent part of the celebration that you will always come across. 

Symbolically, the roundness of the mooncake signifies completeness and reunion, particularly in relation to family unity. Often family members give mooncakes to one another, or cut and distribute pieces from the same mooncake. As for what they are made from, this varies from region to region, particularly the stuffing and pastry wrapping. In Hong Kong, for example, you can try the tasty “ice-skin” mooncake stuffed with red bean paste. In Northern China, assorted nuts mooncakes are most common. There are also delicious variants with lotus seed paste, ham and nuts, or even egg custard. 

![mooncakes](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/yHZ7SDaHEtu6X0XnIVQSr/cbeed03f3860b7f391aeca10bec2d2c1/mooncake-2409858_960_720.jpg)

## 5. How Else to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival?

The Mid-Autumn Festival is all about reunion with family members. Therefore, it is really important to go back home on that day and celebrate there together with those closest to you. In Chinese literature, the moon is highly associated with the emotion of missing home, so you can see why the two go hand in hand during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Families often gather to appreciate the beauty of the moon as well. 

Besides the infamous mooncake, people also eat other traditional foods, such as apples, pears, peaches, grapes, pomegranates and pomelos. And, considering it is such a lucky day for unity, it is regarded as a good day for singletons to find a partner, so often dances are held for this exact aim. 

## 6. Do all Chinese people celebrate in the same way?

Just like most traditional festivals, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated differently in different regions. In Nanjing, one of the major cities in China, people will eat duck made with sweet-scented Osmanthus to celebrate. In Shanghai, people drink a unique kind of alcoholic beverage made from Osmanthus. In quite a few regions, lanterns are an essential decoration for this time of year. 

![Osmanthus fragrans](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/2ulL8wLm7O61NPFYUVOJ0y/2d84e648fad151bc1f013a170d20ff7f/Osmanthus_fragrans.jpg)


## 7. How do countries aside from China celebrate this festival?

Some other Asian countries also celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, including Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Philippines. However, the customs differ from country to country. For example, in South Korea, people call it “Thanksgiving day.” They tend to celebrate it by sending gifts to relatives and friends. Instead of eating mooncake, people eat peach-shaped cakes. But generally speaking, the festival is seen as an opportunity to gather with family and appreciate the moon.


## 8. What Chinese words and phrases should you know for this festival?

If you happen to be learning Chinese right now, we have prepared a few phrases for you to learn and impress your Chinese friends with! 

“中秋” is the name of Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinese. This word has been directly translated by its literal meaning, so “中” means mid, while “秋” means autumn. You can tell from its name that it was named after the time when it usually takes place.

“月饼” means “mooncake”. You can ask your Chinese Tandem partner to tell you more about what it tastes like and don’t forget to ask about their favorite flavors! Perhaps they will even send you one to try yourself. :)

If you want to send your greetings during the Mid-Autumn Festival, you can use this phrase: “中秋快乐” (simplified Chinese) or “中秋節快樂“ (traditional Chinese), which means “happy Mid-Autumn Festival!”

## And for advanced learners...

If you are already an advanced speaker of Chinese, we strongly suggest you quote some famous poems like “但愿人长久，千里共婵娟” to impress your partners! This sentence means “may the loved one stay with you/me forever, so that we can share the moonlight together no matter whether we are at the same place or not.” This poem is well-known by almost every Chinese person, and frequently used during Mid-Autumn Festival.

![rsz mid-autumn-1](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/2dY6i8oYKrsKOos3d1O90I/cd9883b37b0cd8cc65b9dadeb48cf946/rsz_mid-autumn-1.png)

The mid-Autumn festival is one of China's most famous holidays. We find out more about the festival, and how you can celebrate it with your Tandem partner.

/mid-autumn-festival/

8 Things You Need to Know about the Mid-Autumn Festival

Russia is not only home to 144.5 million people, but also world literature, talented classical composers and of course the Russian ballet. Russian culture has an incredibly rich history and is undoubtedly steeped in a long tradition of achievements. This, unfortunately, does not make them any less prone to a fair share of Russian stereotypes. Oddly enough, the vodka drinking, bear wrestling, and serious-natured labels on Russians are not always accurate. 😉

__The [Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) isn’t just about language exchange, it’s also about cultural exchange and fostering meaningful conversations with people from all over the world. Break down barriers and celebrate diversity by downloading our Tandem app now!__

![268.0KB](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1uC5kQoy6h5rbqoEjngPxQ/49e1ca514e19b307b0d55fd6938b6507/268.0KB.jpg)

For those curious souls out there, we’ve heard you and asked the Tandem Team to help us debunk these myths once and for all. 

We’ve also attempted to reveal the truth about [British stereotypes](https://www.tandem.net/british-stereotypes-fact-fiction/) over on another blog post. But for now, ladies and gentlemen, we present to you the best Russian stereotypes.


## Russians say “na zdorovie” when they drink - Fiction

We’re going to set the record straight on this one because apparently, no one ever gets it right. First things first, Russians never say “na zdorovie” (<cite lang="ru">на здоровье</cite>) when making a toast. This actually means “you’re welcome” so it doesn’t really make sense in this context. 

Instead, for casual toasts “Davay!” (давай) meaning “Let’s do it,” “Poekhali!” (поехали) meaning “Let’s roll,” or even “Vzdrognem!” (вздрогнем) meaning “Let’s shudder” - because that’s what you do after throwing back a good shot of vodka - are more appropriate. Sometimes after many rounds of drinks, it is normal to start drinking without toasting at all.

![giphy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/29t5kcRpaKcAqtvu8PpirA/1509be58fce2ba8d806556634b3d904f/giphy.gif)

## Russia is a hard-drinking nation - Fact

Russian stereotypes often revolve around drinking vodka. It can often appear to foreigners that Russians wake up and go to sleep with vodka and there are rumors that Russians are the heaviest drinkers in the world. Although Belarus is said to be the booziest nation, Russia isn’t far behind them in fourth position with the average person consuming 15.1 liters of pure alcohol every year, of which more than 50% are spirits.* Let’s just say that Russia is one of many hard-drinking nations in the world. There is an annual celebration for the birthday of Russian vodka (31st January) after all.  

## Russians are immune to cold weather - Fiction

People often think that the temperature in Russia never reaches above zero degrees, meaning that Russians are somehow biologically wired differently to never feel the cold. Though it is true that many places in Russia experience a long and cold winter, due to its size, Russia has a largely continental climate. This means that the temperatures can get pretty extreme - from +45℃ in summer Kalmykia to deathly -64° in Oymyakon in winter. 

![giphy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/2lRrD5VH12pPUsAPFchJYf/d1555c27be8da693fed816e8a5e2ef4e/giphy.gif)

## Russians drink tea out of a saucer - Fact

Tea in Russia today is considered the de facto national beverage, with the average Russian drinking 3 cups of the good stuff every day. Russian people drink exclusively black tea and leave the other varieties for their guests, as drinking tea is considered a social activity. 

“Saucering” is a traditional Russian practice that is also shared among the Chinese and English. The flat surface helps with the cooling of the near-boiling temperature at which the tea is served. This practice used to reflect social distinction where the lower class of society were said to slurp tea noisily from their saucers, while the Russian aristocrats were strong enough to drink their boiling tea straight or patient enough to wait for it to cool. I guess some like it hot!

## All Russians have a dacha for the summertime - Fiction

A common Russian stereotype is that all Russians are extremely wealthy. A dacha, or summer home used as a getaway for city dwellers, is generally perceived to be a large manor surrounded by multiple tennis courts. Sounds relaxing right? In fact, a dacha is usually a small cottage surrounded by a plot of land and a vegetable garden. 

Russians often spend long days cleaning the house from dust that has accumulated over the winter months and repairing the many broken things at the dacha. Once the house is in shipshape, it is then on to the garden to do a bit of planting and harvesting. It is now easier to understand why less than half of the Russian population own a dacha.

![265.6KB](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5IEg0hxaSKnFAIqpCgZd11/9b6bc0c6d284c4c41efaddddc45b9378/265.6KB.jpg)

## Russians are very superstitious - Fact

It can be hard to tell if there is any method to the superstition madness, however, we follow them anyway. Most common Russian superstitions have become habits, including not shaking hands in the doorway of your home. This is where the "house spirit" is believed to reside, and bridging this gap with a handshake is therefore extremely bad luck. Putting empty bottles on the floor is also common practice in Russia to avoid bad luck, whether your drink of choice is water or vodka. To avoid putting a curse on something, Russians will knock on wood, spit three times over their left shoulder, or do both. If spitting isn’t an option, you can always mimic the sound by saying "tfu-tfu-tfu."

## Bears roam the streets in Russia - Fiction

Nope! Though bear walking and bear performing was commonplace in the nineteenth century, funnily enough, grizzly bears aren’t generally considered to be socialites and rather tend to avoid loud noises. However, it is not unusual for the odd bear to stumble into a rural village. Speaking of superstitions, in case you ever come across a bear waiting outside a supermarket, it is considered good luck to buy a slice of meat on a bone and throw it to the hungry fellow. Lucky bear and lucky Russian!

![255.4KB](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6N3XmgHhwAgscpZDCnSNXV/d27c7b4e7d92169a470378e4a153974a/255.4KB.jpg)

## Russians aren’t friendly - Fiction

Ok, so this one seems to be one of the most common Russian stereotypes since it even has its own name. “The Russian smile” as it is commonly known, is the way of expressing friendliness to strangers. It’s basically a stern frown. 

In Russian culture, it is considered impolite to express emotions in front of strangers. Not beating around the bush and getting straight to the point of a conversation is also considered sincere and polite. Russians aren’t fans of small talk or niceties and will never discuss the weather as a conversation filler. However, once you get to know Russian people on a personal level, you find that they are a very genuine, patient and friendly bunch of people. Here's a [good proof](https://www.tandem.net/language-journey-from-mexico-to-russia) from Tandem users.

I think we can all agree that Russian stereotypes are often exaggerated, but a country where all bears ride unicycles (another common stereotype!) sounds pretty fun to us. Sharing your country’s culture and practices with your language exchange partner is not only a great conversation starter but a way to explore and understand different ways of life.

__Start your exploration on the [Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) now!__

*According to the [World Health Organization](https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/msb_gsr_2014_3.pdf). 

There is a whole bunch of Russian stereotypes out there, but it's not always easy to work out if they're fact or fiction. Look no further!

Russian Stereotypes

Russian Stereotypes: Fact or Fiction?

It’s nearly time for Oktoberfest...

![giphy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3VlbbpX9iwCjkDvtf7hIwZ/89506c67dc99c91e3726694ac67ebb7b/giphy.gif)

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival, taking place in the centre of Munich, Germany in late September or early October every year. This year, the Bavarian beer festival starts on 21st September, and is celebrated until the 6th October. To help you out, we’ve tracked down the top words and phrases that every Bavarian should know for Oktoberfest:

## “Wies’n” 
If you want to fit in with the locals, DON’T call it Oktoberfest. Instead, you go to the “Wies’n”. This is actually a nickname for the place where Oktoberfest is actually held - Theresienwiese in central Munich. 

## “Servus!”
The informal Bavarian greeting, alongside the more formal “Grüß Gott” (groos got), is the only way you should greet your fellow revellers before embarking on your day of Oktoberfest festivities. 

## “Dirndl & Lederhosen”
The only way to dress at Oktoberfest is in full “Tracht”, or traditional clothing. A Dirndl is a peasant style pinafore dress for women with an undershirt and apron, while Lederhosen are leather trousers or shorts for men. However, if you wear a dirndl with an apron, you have to make sure to tie the bow on the correct side. The left side means that you are single and ready to mingle. Tying it on the right, means that you are taken. This will avoid you any awkward moments in the beer tent!

## “Oans, zwoa, drei, g’suffa!”
The Bavarian drinking cry basically translates as “one, two, three, drink!” And make sure you also use… 

## “Prost!”
Though this might look the same as the “[cheers](https://www.tandem.net/8-ways-say-cheers-oktoberfest)” used by Northern Germans when they toast, you’ll have to soften your consonants and roll your rrs to make the Bavarian equivalent sound correct. 

## “O’zapft is’!”
Though you probably won’t need to say this yourself, this is a very important phrase at Oktoberfest if only because no beer can be drunk before it is announced! It falls upon the Mayor of Munich to open Oktoberfest by tapping a beer keg and shouting “O’ZAPFT IS’!”, thus officially starting the festivities. It literally means “It’s tapped!” 

![1D8EFC90-6C45-473E-95F4-57C657ACE92C](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/14h4pY7gRzaCM1h7zqBMKQ/e52256c5692b6f5b7d14e2d4f2f91c61/1D8EFC90-6C45-473E-95F4-57C657ACE92C.JPG)

## “Die Maß”
The Bavarian word that refers to a one-litre glass mug of beer. Make sure you order a Maß if you want to drink like a true Bavarian - ordering a normal beer just won’t cut it at Oktoberfest! A Maß is always made of clear glass at Oktoberfest, so you can be sure you are getting your money’s worth. It is also important to refer to the actual beer itself as Oktoberfestbier. Only 6 breweries, all within Munich’s city walls, are allowed to serve at Oktoberfest, so they are very firm that it is no ordinary beer! (And before you ask… it’s pretty hard to sneak away with an Oktoberfest Maß... 226,000 people tried and failed last year.)

## “Buam & Madln”
The Bavarian words for boys (Buam) and girls (Madln) will come in particularly useful when you are trying to work out which is the right toilet after a few beers at the Wies’n. 

## “Die Bierleichen”
While not technically a Bavarian word as it can be used in high German as well, this is the affectionate name given to those who have overdone it on the Oktoberfestbier by locals. It literally translates to “beer corpses”. Or, to use a more Bavarian phrase, they are simply “Ogschdocha”, or drunk. 

## “Semml” and “Brez’n”
Bread rolls are such an important part of German life that they have a different name depending on where in the country you are! “Semml” or “Semme” is the word that is used in Bavaria - but you are more likely to come across “Brez’n”, or pretzels, at Oktoberfest. 

## “Pfiat di!”
Make sure you sign off with this classic Bavarian goodbye. It’s a shortened version of “May God protect you”, which you will surely be hoping for after one too many glugs from the Maß.

## Oh, One More Thing...

Now that you have the Octoberfest lingo down, it’s time to put your Bavarian into practice in preparation for Octoberfest 2019!

__[The Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u)__ is the best way to gain fluency in any language. With millions of members, Tandem is the largest global language learning community out there! Tandem lets you connect with native Bavarian speakers all over the world, so you can practice speaking Bavarian via text, voice notes, and video calling. Immerse yourself in the Bavarian language and culture, and speak your way to fluency, __for free!__

More of a traveler? Connect with Munich locals ahead of your trip by using the “search by city” Pro feature, or the “near me” Pro feature for when you are already there! Still getting your head around the German language? Use our in-app translation feature to help you compose a message or translate an incoming one. Correct your Tandem partner's message or add a comment to help them learn and progress. Still not sure about Bavarian pronunciation? Simply tap on the message you want to hear and choose the “speak” option. Einfach!

Private lessons more your thing?

With Tandem Tutors, you can master the German language even quicker. Our Tutors are certified professionals who offer one-on-one lessons anytime, anywhere. With Tandem Tutors, it’s easy to find someone who matches your style and works around your schedule.

__[Download the Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) and you’ll be drinking beer and eating pretzels like a true Bavarian in no time!__

It's nearly time for Oktoberfest! Here are the top phrases in Bavarian that you will need to make the most of the world's best beer festival.

oktoberfest bavaria german

11 Must-Know Bavarian Phrases for the Beer Tents of Oktoberfest

We know summer is already in full swing, but in case you’re jetting off on vacation in the coming weeks, or you’re an eager traveler wanting to plan ahead for next year, we’ve pulled together some of the most interesting summer traditions in Scandinavia, Russia, Japan, Ireland, and China just for you!

__Tandem 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](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) the Tandem app now to connect with people all across the world!__

![niklas-veenhuis-141728-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/2K3yC9cj3P68byQuBJRCL8/a143e42f681bd00838c444abd9a4f6af/niklas-veenhuis-141728-unsplash.jpg)

## Midsummer, Scandinavia

Although many travelers flock to Scandinavia during the winter months in search of the Northern Lights, a Scandinavian vacation in the summer is definitely one to add to your wish list. Throughout Scandinavia, particularly Sweden, Midsummer is one of the most important holidays. Originally a pagan festival, Midsummer celebrates the constant daylight following the long, dark winters and sees friends and families flocking to the countryside. Besides dancing around the maypole in traditional folk costumes, the Scandinavians dig into classic Midsummer dishes, including pickled herring and boiled new potatoes.

## White Nights, St. Petersburg, Russia

Approximately 90 miles from the Arctic Circle, St. Petersburg is the world’s most northern city and revels in close to round-the-clock daylight during the summer. Attracting millions of tourists each year, these ‘White Nights’ are a phenomenon allowing you to appreciate everything St. Petersburg has to offer twenty-four hours a day. On top of the non-stop parties, the city also plays host to firework displays and daily live music, opera and ballet performances during the summer months.

## Aomori Nebuta Matsuri Festival, Japan

Discover another summer tradition at the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri Festival in Japan. Between August 2nd - 7th, vibrant lantern floats depicting gods and mythical characters are paraded through the streets. Constructed out of washi, a traditional Japanese handmade paper, the floats take up to one year to construct. As the floats are pushed through the streets, creating a river of color, the parade is brought to life by groups of taiko drummers and dancers. What’s more, the top three floats win the chance to cruise along the bay on a boat on the final day of the festival. There’s nothing like a bit of healthy competition!

## Puck Fair, Killorglin, Ireland

As you know from our [St. Patrick's Day](https://www.tandem.net/st-patricks-day-facts-irish-phrases/) article, Irish people definitely know how to celebrate and the same goes for summer traditions. The Puck Fair, celebrated in the small town of Killorglin in County Kerry, gets its name from the Irish word ‘poc,’ which means billy goat. But what does a goat have to do with it? 

Although the origin of the festival is unknown, it is said that the event honors a wild goat that acted heroically during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland in the 1600s. Upon seeing Cromwell’s army, the goat broke away from its herd in fear. Its arrival at Killorglin warned the people of the army’s impending arrival, giving them time defend themselves against an attack. As a tribute to _that_ goat, the people of Killorglin choose one mountain goat each year and crown him “King Puck” for the duration of the 3-day festival. The town also hosts a horse fair, live music and dance performances, firework displays, and a colorful parade in celebration. Now, how’s that for a summer tradition!

![elias-ehmann-100536-unsplash copy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6GYecdpAddZLNqD7kjw2Z2/d5b206fcfe9bf935641117266be7dff0/elias-ehmann-100536-unsplash_copy.jpg)

## Ghost Festival, China

In China, the seventh lunar month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar is Ghost Month. At this time, the gates of hell open, allowing the ghosts of the deceased to re-enter the living world. To keep the ghosts satisfied and prevent them from wreaking havoc, families worship their ancestors by offering sacrifices of food, money and entertainment. 

This year, on August 15th (the 15th day of the seventh Chinese month), you can also expect to see glowing lanterns floating along the river. According to Chinese tradition, these lanterns direct the lost ghosts back to their families. The Ghost Festival is also celebrated in other parts of Asia, including Japan, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. Although this is a less joyful festival, its deep roots in Asia’s history and tradition enables you to gain an insight into this culture.

Looking to learn more about summer traditions from around the world? Here are the festivals and celebrations that we think you should know about!

bulb-candle-candlelight

Summer Traditions from Around the World and Where to Find Them

Lunar New Year, commonly referred to as Chinese New Year, is celebrated across East Asian countries between 21 January and 20 February each year. Lunar New Year 2020 falls on Saturday 25th January, and welcomes in the year of the rat. Let us share how to prepare for one of the biggest celebrations on earth! If you’re looking for fun facts and great phrases about Chinese New Year, in particular, check out our [beginner’s guide to Chinese New Year!](https://www.tandem.net/chinese-new-year-facts-phrases/)

__The [Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) isn’t just about language exchange, it’s also about cultural exchange and fostering meaningful conversations with people from all over the world. Break down barriers and celebrate diversity by downloading the Tandem app now!__

![lunar-new-year-red-lanterns](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/gz6TpIyHsCLTGGBuWnpqz/aab489a520d5d474ec8f3b549c0ff6b4/henry-co-568066-unsplash-1.jpg)


#### Where do you celebrate Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year is celebrated all over East Asia, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, and Vietnam. Although Lunar New Year activities and traditions differ slightly across these countries, for everyone, this celebration marks the beginning of a new year according to the traditional lunar calendar.


#### Lunar New Year Decorations

Firstly, preparations for Lunar New Year begin well in advance. The new year is a time for a fresh start, so before decorating, you need to clean the house and throw away any unwanted items. Once that’s sorted, you can start dressing the house in all sorts of traditional decorations. Across East Asia, houses are decorated with red lanterns, made from either silk or paper and covered in good luck phrases and characters. 

The color red is everywhere during Lunar New Year as it’s a lucky color and symbolizes good fortune and happiness. A red diamond-shaped piece of paper with the character fú 福 (meaning luck) in the middle is another traditional decoration. You always place the fú upside down so that the luck pours out into the home. In addition, red couplets outlining wishes for the new year in Chinese gold characters accompany the fú decoration on doorways.

![lunar-new-year-narcissus](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/15Pu0PZ0XS6CW818RI0jBG/d4ab153d1e2e86901494a1291b110110/sole-d-alessandro-516633-unsplash.jpg)

Fresh flowers and plants brighten up the home and bring good fortune. Popular choices include narcissus, as they’re an early blooming spring flower with a beautiful fragrance; peonies, the flower of richness and honor to encourage a prosperous new year; and pussy willows, as their blooming buds symbolize growth and the coming of spring. 

For Vietnamese Lunar New Year, also known as Tet, the five-fruit tray takes center stage. It’s essentially a big bowl stacked high with colorful fruits, including oranges, bananas, mangos, pomelos, apples and often watermelon. The five-fruit tray is an offering to one’s ancestors, showing them gratitude and admiration. Most importantly, it brings color to the home and welcomes prosperity and happiness for the coming year. 

If you take a trip to Korea over Lunar New Year you will see illustrations of Korean magpies, cranes and the sun gracing traditional decorations. These three things have special meanings in Korean Lunar New Year culture. The sun symbolizes the morning and a new beginning, the crane represents long life and the Korean magpie is a symbol of good fortune.

In preparation for Lunar New Year, we decorated Tandem HQ! Take a look at the video we created especially for you guys for a glimpse of some traditional Lunar New Year decorations! :)

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9o7XS8xkZwg" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

#### Don't forget some Lunar New Year greetings!

Are you learning Chinese, Korean or Vietnamese on Tandem? Why not wish your Tandem partner happy new year in their own language? We’ll give you a head start with some common Lunar New Year greetings! ;)

##### **Chinese**

“Happy New Year” 新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè)

##### **Korean**

“Happy New Year” 새해복많이받으세요! (saehaebogmanh-ibad-euseyo !)

##### **Vietnamese**

“Happy New Year” Chúc mừng năm mới

So, that concludes our guide through the some traditional Lunar New Year preparations and decorations in China, Korea, and Vietnam! Are you feeling inspired to deck out your home with some beautiful red lanterns or fragrant spring flowers? We know we are!

__Why not [download the Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) to find yourself a language exchange partner who can teach you about their culture and traditions!__

Lunar New Year 2020 is just around the corner! Learn how to prepare for one of the biggest celebrations with Tandem Language Exchange.

lunar-new-year

How to Prepare for Lunar New Year

New Year’s Day passed for many on January 1st with much celebration across the world. The first day of the year is an important moment in many cultures, representing a fresh start for all of us and a time to look forward to exciting things to come. But what about parts of the world that don’t celebrate New Year on the 1st January? For many people in Eastern Asia, along with the Asian diaspora around the world, New Year celebrations usually happen sometime in late January until mid-February. Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is the most important event in the Chinese calendar. To celebrate, we’ve added some special Chinese New Year cards to the app for you to share with your Tandem partner. You can send a Chinese New Year card by tapping the holiday icon when you are messaging your partner. 

__Looking for a way to boost your language skills quickly and effectively? Our [Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) 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!__

![imessage_cny2.png](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6Oy8xnydpQVLL3jHymjuOK/02cc1b9c04d6b2234ea3af94c7c2331f/imessage_cny2.png)

## When is Chinese New Year?

While 1st January is an easy date to remember, the date of Chinese New Year is a little trickier to predict! The date is based on the Lunar Calendar, an Ancient Chinese invention which is based upon - you guessed it - cycles of the moon’s phases. Though many people in China today use the Gregorian calendar (much like the rest of the world), this more traditional Lunar calendar is still used for important festivals like Chinese New Year. As it is linked to the moon, the festival is celebrated on a different day every year, though it is usually late January until mid or late February. This year, it’s celebrated on **5th February.** Don’t forget to send good wishes to your friends on that day and the night before (New Year’s Eve)!


## Which zodiac animal is 2019 connected with?

Chinese culture has long had the tradition of naming the year with one of twelve zodiac animals. This means you can easily check your animal sign by finding out which animal your birth year represents! Anyone born in 2019 will be connected to the year of the pig. Many Chinese people have the belief that if the coming year is the year of your animal sign, you tend to have bad luck in that year. Don’t worry though - there is also a simple way to avoid the bad luck your animal sign year brings. Red is such a lucky color that it is said to cancel out any bad luck from your animal sign year, so if you just wear red clothes every day in 2019, you should be fine! 


## What is a red envelope?

Speaking of the color red, receiving a red envelope is probably the most exciting thing about Chinese New Year for kids! Red envelopes usually contain money and are given by elders to children. They traditionally represent love and blessing, but importantly (for the kids at least) they also usually contain a small amount of money as a gift. In some places, this tradition has moved from physical to virtual envelopes. With the help of mobile devices and payment apps, such as WeChat Pay, people can easily send each other electronic red envelopes together with their good wishes.

## What do people eat at Chinese New Year?

Unsurprisingly, many Chinese people eat dumplings on New Year’s Day; dumplings being one of China’s most common traditional foods. China is a big and diverse country, however, so you’ll find that people in different regions eat differently and have their own variations on New Year’s cuisine. Instead, they might have Niangao (年糕), which is a special kind of New Year rice cake, or spring rolls, along with specially-cooked poultry (especially chicken) and fish. All of those foods are associated with positive vibes, and are seen as helping to ensure good fortune for the year ahead.

![new year](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5UlaUHZkHy96rZpzXwqwb9/d5983207b00c44389440677b89286c1d/imessage_cny3.png)

## What is "Chun Wan"?

Watching “Chun Wan” perhaps isn’t the most traditional part of Chinese New Year, but over the years it has become a common New Year’s activity. “Chun Wan”, or the “Spring Festival Gala” is an annual variety show produced by China Central Television (CCTV) featuring musical, dance, comedy, and drama performances. Widely regarded as the most-watched annual TV programme in the whole world, the first Chun Wan first took place in 1983. Over the years, it has become a New Year institution, with many Chinese people staying at home with their family on New Year’s Eve to watch this show. However, the younger generation are generally less interested in this show, in comparison with their parents, and many prefer to give it a miss! If you are interested in finding out more about the world’s most watched entertainment show, you can always ask your Chinese friends what they think of it. Some love it; others hate it. But there's always guaranteed to be some strong opinions to discuss! :)

## Where is Chinese New Year celebrated?

You might think from its name that Chinese New Year is 100% a Chinese festival. But the traditions and practices of the festival have spread around the world, because there are many ethnic Chinese people living outside China. There are many Chinese markets and China towns in Western countries, and each will have a special celebration for Chinese New Year. You can see lanterns, lion dances, and firecrackers everywhere just like the ones in China when Chinese New Year approaches. Secondly, there are many other Asian countries that also use the Lunar calendar for their New Year celebrations. Vietnam, for example, celebrates a similar festival at the same time called “Tet” which has its own special traditions.

## What do you say at Chinese New Year?

We’ve prepared some special phrases for you in Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese Chinese to share with your Tandem partner this year. 

**Mandarin:**
- 新年快乐 (xīn nián kuài lè) means “Happy New Year” in Mandarin, and you can add “万事如意” if you want to make it sound a bit more exciting!
- 万事如意 (wàn shì rú yì) can be translated into “may everything that you wish come true”, a phrase which is commonly used by Chinese speakers during Chinese New Year.
- 恭喜发财，红包拿来 (gōng xǐ fā cái, hóng bāo ná lái) is more of a joke blessing. The meaning of it is: “May prosperity be with you - now give me a red envelope!” The last four words didn’t exist at the very beginning when this line was invented, but were added as a tongue-in-cheek rhyme that emphasises the monetary benefits of the holiday. 

**Cantonese:**
- 新 年 快 樂 (sun leen fai lok) - “Happy New Year”. It is often paired with other new year phrases in one sentence, e.g: 新年快樂身體健康 - “Happy New Year and good health”
- 新年快樂歲歲平安 - “Happy New Year and peace for the following years”
- 歲歲平安 - (sui sui ping on) - “Hope you have peace for generations to come”
- 快高長大 (fai goh jeung dai) - “Grow tall and be strong”, this one is generally used for children...
- 學業進步 (hohk yihp jeun bouh) - This is a greeting reserved for students, wishing them progress in their studies. This is important for young students as well as more advanced students.
- 恭喜發財 (gong hei fat choy) - when you want to wish prosperity in the new year.

Chinese New Year is nearly here! Here are all the facts and phrases you need to know before the festivities begin on February 16th.

red-morley-hewitt-538527-1 copy

A Beginner's Guide to Chinese New Year

It’s officially 2019 and everyone is gearing up for a year of growth and positivity. We wanted to start of the new year with a little bit of fun and tackle the most commonly mispronounced foreign foods! There are plenty of new foods from all around the world and we just can’t get our heads around how to pronounce them. Here are our 10 favorites:

__Speaking is the fastest way to fluency. But getting the chance to speak a language is a challenge when you’re not living in the country. What if there was a way to befriend a native speaker and practice any time, any place, totally for free? Enter the [Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u), where you can speak any language, anywhere.__

![lily-banse-365344-unsplash copy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/26pvrFKhugOWaocrAkgRYZ/547dc01af0409ba7248ec5e1d184b377/lily-banse-365344-unsplash_copy.jpg)


## 1. Quinoa

A popular on the list of commonly mispronounced foreign foods is Quinoa. Originating in South America, Quinoa is a staple ingredient for every food blogger on the planet. But how on earth do you pronounce it? Is it kee-no-ah? Is it kee-noo-ah? It’s actually pronounced **keen-wah**.

## 2. Gnocchi

Now we’ll head over to Italy, the home of delicious pasta and those tasty, soft dough dumplings! The exact origin of the word gnocchi is unknown, yet many believe it derives from the Italian word _nocchio_, meaning “a knot in wood.” If you want to get the pronunciation of this foreign food correct, stick to **nok-ee**.

## 3. Pho

Pho is a Vietnamese soup consisting of chicken, beef or vegetable broth and rice noodles. Surprisingly, it’s traditionally a breakfast dish! Many people mistakenly pronounce this as foh, with a long “o” sound. In fact, you pronounce it **fuh**. Who would’ve thought?

## 4. Jalapeño

This next one is hot hot hot! Jalapeños are one of the most popular chili peppers and come from Mexico. As the “j” sound in Spanish is pronounced like the strong “h” in English, you don’t say jall-ap-ee-no. Instead, it’s **halla-pen-yo**. You can thank us next time you order a spicy jalapeño pizza!

![foreign-foods-gnocchi](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3vRw5G6CXwQF2IKUUBuouQ/64167262f89cc47f6dd66590f3efe749/food-3048228_1920.jpg)

## 5. Niçoise

French food pronunciation is often a little tricky. A salad originating from Nice, containing tuna, hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, and olives is called a Niçoise salad. In French, the letter c with the hook ç is called c-cedilla and is pronounced like an “s”. So the proper pronunciation for this French dish is **nee-swahz**. French people are well-known [foodies](https://www.tandem.net/french-phrases-food-gourmand)!

## 6. Worcestershire Sauce

One of the most famous English condiments is called Worcestershire sauce. The sauce was first made by two pharmacists in the city of Worcester (woos-tuhr), which is located in the county of Worcestershire. It’s not as complicated as you might think and is pronounced **woos-**tuhr**-**shuhr **sauce**.

## 7. Açaí

Another foreign food causing some confusion is the healthy superfood açaí, a type of berry found in the South American rainforests. The pronunciation is difficult for native English speakers partly due to the unfamiliar Latin letters. If you want to pronounce it like the locals, it’s **ah-sigh-ee**.

![foreign foods acai](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/16nyMiUXmvBCJluXwNkwpo/a67e101a3914086d2d05024517d9f794/lucas-law-686297-unsplash.jpg)

## 8. Edamame

Edamame is a very popular ingredient in East Asian cuisine, particularly in Japanese cooking. They are young soybeans and normally served lightly boiled and salted as an appetizer or a snack. The correct pronunciation for these delicious beans is **eda-mah-mey**.

## 9. Gyro

If you’re traveling around Greece and fancy a quick bite to eat, why not try a gyro - **yee-roh**, not gee-roh. Similar to a Turkish döner kebab, a gyro is a sandwich dish, usually made with grilled lamb, beef or pork meat, salad and topped off with tzatziki sauce. They’re an absolute favorite among the locals, hence why you can buy them on every street corner in Greece.

## 10. Chorizo

Finally, here's number 10 on our favorite commonly mispronounced foreign foods.  Chorizo is a spicy pork sausage often used in Mexican and Spanish cuisine. The question on everybody’s lips regarding the pronunciation of chorizo is whether the “z” should be a “th” or an “s” sound. In Castilian Spanish (the main language of Spain), “z” is pronounced like “th” as in “that,” meaning chorizo would be pronounced **choh-ree-thoh**. Head to Mexico, however, and this pronunciation differs. There you pronounce “z” like “s” so in South American Spanish it's **choh-ree-soh**.

![foreign foods chorizo](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/4BoSG1F3Dl3AwuKTlZk8yw/7b79f9b7c2781e05acd75dff68624553/sausage-3406275_1920.jpg)

There you go! Even if you’re not traveling to any of the countries these fabulous foreign foods originate from, hopefully, now you’ve got to grips with how to pronounce them. Plus, if you manage to travel to any of these countries this year, you’ll have no problem ordering any of them! As a small side note, we just wanted to give a quick shoutout to those of you who are [learning a new language](https://www.tandem.net/10-emotions-learning-new-language) in 2019. Kudos to you!

There are plenty of new foods from around the world that are difficult to pronounce. Here are the top ten commonly mispronounced foreign foods!

food-dinner-party

Commonly Mispronounced Foreign Foods

There are few better learning methods than watching a movie in your target language. First and foremost, it’s fun and maybe more importantly, it helps you to familiarize yourself with everyday vocabulary and colloquial phrases. Since it’s almost Christmas, we’ve put our heads together to make a list of the best Christmas movies to learn a language. It wasn’t easy to cut the list down, but after a glass of Glühwein and a gingerbread Lebkuchen cookie, we made it! Check them out below - many of them are even tried and tested by our team. :)

__Improving your language skills doesn’t have to be boring… Have fun with conversation exchange! Tandem is not only a language exchange [app](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d), but it is also a community where our members feel empowered to speak any language, anywhere.__

![Best Christmas Movies](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1sIRjCVJtLQ8eko3aidivO/62e055ad4d8afc12ddbede946c140b23/christmas-couch-feet-85842.jpg)

## Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel to learn German

Released in 1973, this Czechoslovak/East German fairy tale film, _Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel_, features one of our favorite fairy tale princesses, Cinderella! Literally translated as “Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella,” the film follows a similar story to the one we all know. However, instead of the fairy godmother, it’s hazelnuts that help Cinderella get to the ball! 

Since its release, the film has become a holiday classic in many European countries, including Germany, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. This is a great choice if you’re a beginner in German as it’s targetted for children and therefore uses less complex vocabulary. Additionally, as you’re probably familiar with the plot, you’re more likely to be able to follow what’s happening.

## Home Alone to learn English (American)

_Home Alone_ is one of the most popular Christmas movies out there and it should definitely be one of the holiday films you sit down to watch this year. The story follows an 8-year-old boy who gets left behind when his family travels to Paris for the holidays, hence the title. It’s a light-hearted comedy and will no doubt get you in the mood for Christmas. The plot is pretty easy to get your head around, as is the language, so we’d recommend this for intermediate English learners.

## Los Reyes Magos to learn Spanish

We had to fit an animated film in somewhere and our choice is _Los Reyes Magos_ or _The Three Wise Men_. The Three Kings’ Day in Spain is the most important day of the holiday season, so if you’re learning Spanish, try and hold out until January 6th to watch this film. As you might expect, the film tells the story of the three kings’ visit to the baby Jesus and King Herod’s attempt to sabotage their quest. This is an ideal movie for Spanish beginners, as the script was written for children. Plus, it’s based on the nativity story, so most are you are probably already familiar with the plot.

## Un conte de Noël to learn French

_Un conte de Noël_, meaning “A Christmas Tale,” is a French comedy-drama film released in 2008. This film is more serious and follows a family reunion just in time for the holidays. After the mother is diagnosed with Leukemia, she gathers her family in the hope that one of them might be a suitable donor for a bone marrow transplant. The language used is too advanced for beginners, but if you put the French subtitles on, you’ll be able to follow the gist of the story and it will be good practice for your ears!

## Ironiya sudby, ili S legkim parom! to learn Russian

A New Year’s Eve tradition in post-Soviet states is to watch the television film _Ironiya sudby, ili S legkim parom!_ or _The Irony of Fate_. It was released in 1975, so it’s a good choice for those of you who like old films. Every year, on New Year’s Eve, a group of friends takes a trip to the sauna in Moscow. However, after too much alcohol, the evening does not go to plan. But it’s a love story, after all, so everything works out in the end! The language in this film is pretty simple, but as it’s an oldie, some of the expressions are rather dated, hence why it’s better suited for an advanced Russian learner.

## Love Actually to learn English (British)

If you’re into festive romance films, _Love Actually_ is for you! It follows eight different couples, whose lives are loosely intertwined. It’s the ultimate feel-good movie you with an all-star cast, so you won’t be disappointed with this one. Disclaimer: get your tissues at the ready! It’s a little more complex than the other suggestions, so suited for those of you learning advanced English. That being said, it will also introduce beginners and intermediate learners to a range of “real life” vocabulary.

## Una Famiglia Perfetta to learn Italian

For many of us, spending time with family is what makes the holiday season so special - albeit sometimes wonderfully chaotic. _Una Famiglia Perfetta_ or "A Perfect Family" is a story that reminds us that having power and wealth may seem desirable but can leave you feeling very lonely at this time of year. In the film, the main character hires actors to play the perfect family he has always dreamt of having. The plot is somewhat complicated, so we’d recommend this film for intermediate or advanced Italian leaners.

## What's the verdict?

Did any of these Christmas movies take your fancy? If so, try to dedicate some time to actually studying the language used in the film. Put on the subtitles, write down the words you’re not familiar with and repeat sections of the film to help you remember the vocabulary or phrases used. And if you really enjoy it, watch it again when Christmas comes around next year! If you need more inspiration for holidays, check our post with [Christmas facts from around the world](https://www.tandem.net/10-christmas-facts-around-world). So with that, Tandem HQ wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We’ll see you next year!

Watching movies is a great way to improve your language skills. Here's a list of our favorite Christmas movies to get you feeling festive!

christmas-movies

Christmas Movies to Help You Learn a Language

Celebrated over a period of five days, India’s festival of lights, Diwali, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. It is one of the biggest festivals in Hinduism and will take place on 27th October 2019. Here are a few traditions we think you should know about!

__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://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) today - it’s free!__

## 1. Rangoli

![Rangoli Diwali](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6K9t9j1yLk8gMwlgAORMJT/afaae7ac90d7a291a4ededa8edb37c59/Rangoli-2.jpg)

Preparations for Diwali begin well in advance and involve thoroughly cleaning houses, making refurbishments as well as throwing away unwanted items. This is because goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth only blesses clean houses. Furthermore, to welcome Lakshmi, many people also decorate their doorways by drawing beautiful patterns on the ground using colored rice, powder, sand or flower petals. Diwali art, such as the rangoli decoration is thought to bring good luck.

## 2. Diya oil lamps

![Diwali diya lamps](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/N1224cwDarGDNMqkDvw3h/4e4715b3ef6a4ec5e450cb8b270db295/Diwali-1.jpg)

A “diya” is an oil lamp used to light up homes during the Diwali festival and symbolizes prosperity and optimism. Diyas are handmade out of clay and often painted in vibrant colors. As Diwali takes place on the night centering the new moon - the darkest night - people light diyas to cancel out the darkness. Diwali is also referred to as “Deepavali,” which means a row of lights, hence why the lighting of the diyas is one of the most significant rituals in the Diwali celebrations.

## 3. Lakshmi puja

![Hindu Goddess Lakshmi Diwali](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5d2kpyHpj25dZzItNRw5N1/20491491b5cffdec1ff8020ec4221ad5/Hindu_Goddess_Lakshmi_in_home_temple.jpg)

It is also customary to worship goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, alongside Lord Ganesha. On the third day, the most auspicious day of the festival, every Hindu household performs the Lakshmi Puja - the worship of Lakshmi. Praying to the goddess ensures you are blessed with a wealthy and prosperous life.

## 4. Traditional Diwali food

![indian-sweets-mithai](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/2OuEDmbQ8kR3xKxfEE6NJq/41fda35ed87eca02f55512c55a049368/indian-sweets-2625911_1920.jpg)

Diwali is a joyous occasion, where traditional foods play a big role. While families do prepare savory dishes, sweet delicacies usually take center stage during the festival. Traditional Indian sweets, including Jalebi, Karanji, and Coconut laddoo are given as gifts to family, friends, and neighbors.

## 5. Firework displays

![sparkler-diwali-fireworks](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5glyigF7ztzcYaXJ2QjJlJ/55c3287a7e85e3d12b28bdcbc962d1b3/sparkler.jpg)

Finally, as it’s the festival of lights, it’s no surprise that spectacular firework displays are held throughout Diwali. They light up the night sky all over India and many other cities across the world. These displays usually take place on the evening of the third day of the festival, following feasts and celebrations. To all of our readers celebrating Diwali, we wish you a healthy and prosperous year ahead!

Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated by millions of people around the world. Here are a few popular traditions!

/india-diwali-5-traditions/

Diwali: 5 Traditions from India’s Festival of Lights

With the World Cup in Russia kicking off in under a month, there’s never been a better time to [learn some Russian](https://www.tandem.net/learn-russian-online)! This guest post is from our friend Jesse from [LiveFluent](https://livefluent.com/), who learned Russian himself from scratch, and is well-placed to offer some candid advice on how to grasp the rudimentaries of this fascinating language!

__Improving your language skills doesn’t have to be boring… Have fun with conversation exchange! Tandem is not only a language exchange [app](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d), but it is also a community where our members feel empowered to speak any language, anywhere.__

![Russia World Cup](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3sLhg3zvkrlOGYIKhY9ZNE/bcece19b2906da2866ddbcbadc070634/architecture-bridge-buildings-417322.jpg)

How much do you know about Russia? Perhaps you knew already that it spans over 11 different time zones and [Russians](https://www.tandem.net/russian-stereotypes-fact-fiction) can trace their heritage all the way back to the 10th century. Artistically, the country has been a longstanding staple in the international arts scene, putting forward some of the best composers, writers, poets, and architects in the world. With all its vastness, history, and rich culture aside, something just as big and historic will draw people from around the world to Russia this summer… the 2018 FIFA world cup! 

2018 will actually be the first time in history that Russia has hosted the World Cup, and the hype has been building for several years already. The competition will be hosted across 11 different Russian cities including the two largest: Moscow and Saint Petersburg. 32 teams from across the world have qualified to take part in the competition! 

If you plan on attending one of the world’s largest sporting events, you might want to brush up on your Russian before you go. Interestingly enough, even with all of Russia’s international influence and historical heritage, only about 3% of Russians are fluent in English (though up to 30% claim at least some ability in the language).* 

While the country and its host cities are no doubt making preparations to accommodate the incoming slew of international fans and competitors; knowing even a little Russian will help set you apart from the tourists, and ensure you get the most out of your World Cup adventures.

I know from experience that a list of [basic phrases in Russian](https://livefluent.com/45-of-the-most-useful-basic-russian-phrases/) (or any language) can get long very quickly. It’s all too easy to keep adding words and phrases until your list becomes so large that it defeats the purpose of being basic enough to use quickly. The truth is that some words and phrases will be more helpful than others, and it’s always best to focus your time and efforts on the words that matter the most. 

In this post, we’ve whittled down the list to create a phrasebook of the most important and practical words for a trip to the 2018 World Cup. It’s essentially a toolkit to help you navigate your way around the cities, embrace the culture, and converse with the people from the beautiful and historic country that is Russia.

![fauzan-saari-551185-unsplash copy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6EghXs4KHNZRHf8L6xWTWi/6d3c4d025187951b7cac11c2be234e7d/fauzan-saari-551185-unsplash_copy.jpg)

## 1. Common Courtesies

No matter what language you’re learning, it pays to be polite. Given that you will interact with many people, polite phrases such as “please” and “thank you” are likely to be some of the most common expressions you will hear and should use during your stay.

*   Thank you — Спасибо (spaseeba)
*   Please — Пожалуйста (pazhaloosta)
*   You’re welcome — Пожалуйста (pazhaloosta)
*   Excuse me — Простите (prasteete)
*   Good morning — Доброе утро (dobraye ootro)
*   Good afternoon — Добрый день (dobriy den')
*   Good evening — Добрый вечер (dobriy vyecher)

## 2. Sports vocabulary

Of course you’ll also want to know some football related vocabulary! Those of you learning Russian are in luck, as much of the vocabulary is similar to English.

*   World Cup — Чемпионат мира по футболу (Chempionat mira po futbolu)
*   Goal — Гол (gol)
*   Penalty — Пенальти (penal-ti)
*   To kick — Пинать (peen-nyat)
*   Final — Финал (feenal)
*   Ball — Мяч (meyach)
*   Pass — Пас (pas)

## 3. Getting around

Russians are proud of their country and are typically more than happy to lend a hand to a lost or inquisitive foreigner. Use these travel phrases to help you find your way through the streets and explore some of Russia's most beautiful cities.

*   Where is...? — Где…? (gdye)
*   Metro — Метро (med-tro)
*   Airport — Аэропорт (air-a-port)
*   Train station — Вокзал (vawk-zal)
*   Hotel — Отель (O-tel)
*   Stadium — Стадион (sta-dee-on)

## 4. Troubleshooting

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are some phrases you can use if you and the person you’re speaking with, run head on into the language barrier.

*   I don’t understand — Я не понимаю (ya ne ponee-my-you)
*   Do you understand? — Вы понимаете? (Vee ponee-my-etay?)
*   What does ... mean? — Что значит ...? (shto znachit ... ?)
*   How do you say...in Russian? — Как сказать...по русски? (Kak skazat'...pa ruski?)
*   Can you repeat that please? — Вы можете повторить это? (vee mo-zshee-tey puff-ta-reet eta?)

There you have it — the essential words and phrase list for the ultimate 2018 World Cup experience! Remember that anytime you’re learning new words or phrases it’s [practice](https://www.tandem.net/10-ways-practice-languages-studying/) that makes perfect. Why not take this list and practice them with a native speaker on [Tandem](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) now?

_Jesse is a travel lover and language learning enthusiast. Though his first foreign language was Spanish, he started learning the Russian language while spending a summer in Ukraine, and he's been hooked ever since. In his free time he likes to blog and share his passion for language learning._

*According to [Russia Beyond](https://www.rbth.com/news/2015/12/03/percentage-of-rusians-who-speak-english-doubles-to-30_547189).

With the Football World Cup fast approaching, our guest blogger has you covered with the most important phrases to learn for a breezy experience in Russia!

World Cup 2018 Russia Words and Phrases

World Cup 2018: Useful Russian Phrases to Kick Things Off

May is seen as a special month across the world. Winter has finally come to an end, meaning many people take the chance to celebrate the coming summer! May 1st is International Labour Day, a public holiday in many countries, where workers (and usually, workers rights) are celebrated. But May Day festivities often have their roots in older celebrations - with many taking inspiration from pagan or ancient religious traditions. Here are a few of the most quirky festivals from around the world!

__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://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) today - it’s free!__

![brett-zeck-672527-unsplash copy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/9ccFJv16LQioCjKybGs7G/37877e8f0dd5d72b5094b0432df6abd0/brett-zeck-672527-unsplash_copy.jpg)

## 1. Scotland / Ireland

Beltane - which means ‘day of fire’ in Celtic - was an ancient Celtic fire festival celebrated in [Ireland](https://www.tandem.net/partner/ireland), Scotland and the Isle of Man on May 1. Bel was the god of the sun in Celtic tradition, so the festival celebrated the seasonal transition from the dark winter to the beautiful and light summer. 

Ancient Celts believed that the sun was taken prisoner during the winter months, so on Beltane they would light special bonfires to welcome the sun back to its rightful place. This tradition has undergone a revival in recent years and still takes place in parts of Scotland today. 

In Edinburgh, for example, they light huge bonfires on a hill above the city. Another Scottish legend from Edinburgh says that young women who climb Arthur’s Seat (a big hill overlooking the city) at sunrise on May Day and wash their faces in the morning dew will have life-long beauty!

## 2. Germany / Scandinavia

In [Germany](https://www.tandem.net/partner/germany), Walpurgisnacht, or Hexennacht, is almost like a second Hallowe’en. Legend has it that witches would meet on this night to celebrate the coming season with bonfires and dancing. To combat the witches, local German people made as much noise as possible and lit huge bonfires to keep the evil witches and spirits at bay. Walpurgisnacht is still celebrated today across Germany and Scandinavia, with big parties, bonfires and dressing up. 

The name of the holiday is said to come from St Walburga, an English nun whose feast day is on May 1. At that time in Germany, Church authorities banned pagan celebrations, and would punish anyone found to be celebrating them. In order to carry on observing Hexennacht, the local people used the excuse of celebrating St Walburga’s feast day as a way to appease the Church.

## 3. Russia

In [Russia](https://www.tandem.net/partner/russia) and other former Soviet countries, May 1 is still a very important holiday, marking the start of spring/summer and Labor Day. Workers’ rights were of hugely important significance in countries under the influence of the Soviet Union countries, and this day continues as a major holiday today. There are often marches or demonstrations on this day too against capitalist systems or just as a celebration of unions.

## 4. England

While the Scots and Irish celebrate with fire festivals, in England, May Day is traditionally celebrated with dancing around the Maypole. Maypoles were traditionally made from young trees which were cut down and placed in the middle of a village green with multicolored ribbons attached to the top. It was then the job of the young people in the village to each take a ribbon and skip around the outside of the pole to make various patterns with all the ribbons. Maypoles are still a key fixture on Mayday in rural villages, and are even making a comeback in more urban parts of England.

## 5. [Italy](https://www.tandem.net/partner/italy)

At the ancient festival of Calendimaggio in Assisi, people dress up in traditional dress - including swords and shields for the men - and there are a variety of specific activities to participate in. These include horse riding, crossbow-shooting competitions and the election of a Madonna Primavera (Queen of Spring). There are also singing competitions, day and night processions, feasts and flower dances to welcome the new spring and the renewed joy of life.

## 6. Haiwaii

Lei are traditional Hawaiian flower necklaces, and are worn by practically everyone on the Hawaiian islands on May 1, the official Lei Day! They are a symbol of the aloha spirit in Hawaii. Each island has a different style of Lei. On Lei Day there are lei making demonstrations, concerts, food and drink stalls and lots of celebrations.

## 7. Bulgaria

The Bulgarian festival Irminden stems from the legend in Bulgaria that snakes come out of their burrows every year on March 25, but that their king and leader comes out on May 1. So, anyone who works in the fields is likely to get bitten on this day! All workers take May Day free in Bulgaria as to avoid any such bites. There are bonfires to keep the snakes away and lots of celebrations to welcome in the spring and summer.

## 8. France

Demonstrations and parades have been a common Labor Day fixture in [France](https://www.tandem.net/partner/france) since 1890. However, an older tradition remains alongside them. It is customary to give the Lily of the Valley flower to friends or family members. This actually dates back to 1561, when Charles IX presented Lily of the Valley to all ladies present at his court.

How do you celebrate May Day in your country? Local holidays and traditions make [great conversation starters](https://www.tandem.net/conversation-starters-language-learners/) when chatting to a Tandem partner!

May Day is a chance for many places around the world to bid farewell to the winter and say hello to the start of summer! But how is it celebrated?

/may-traditions-round-world/

8 Interesting May 1st Traditions from Around the World

If there’s one thing that [France](https://www.tandem.net/partner/france) is known for, it is food (la nourriture in French). The French are famous around the world for their freshly baked bread, pastries, cheese and wine. Some of the world’s most talented chefs hail from France, and the country has become a place of pilgrimage for food lovers from across the globe. But these are not the only things that we have to thank French cuisine for. 

From a linguistic point of view, the [French](https://www.tandem.net/learn-french-online) have given us far more than just some very tasty dishes. Many words in English relating to food come from the French language too. Take the word ‘restaurant’, for example, which comes from the French verb ‘restaurer’, meaning to restore or refresh. Originally, the word ‘restaurant’ meant a food that restores, and was most often used to refer to hearty meat stews that would restore strength. Today, a restaurant is a place where you can eat delicious food and feel your strength restored immediately!

__Speaking is the fastest way to fluency. But getting the chance to speak a language is a challenge when you’re not living in the country. What if there was a way to befriend a native speaker and practice any time, any place, totally for free? Enter the [Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u), where you can speak any language, anywhere.__

![rsz dana-devolk-696167-unsplash copy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1Hjqr7ctmZHGLCPk1n5ju7/921cf680d02a266198cf7d8a71fb07b4/rsz_dana-devolk-696167-unsplash_copy.jpg)

Here are some more fun facts about food in French culture:

*   The French consume on average 25 kg of cheese per person per year, so are the largest consumers of cheese in the world!
*   Over 300 different kinds of cheese are produced in France.
*   In most towns and small cities in France, almost all small businesses and shops shut down between noon and 2pm so that workers can enjoy a leisurely two-hour lunch.
*   The Michelin Star restaurant rating system was created by the French tyre company Michelin in 1900, as a marketing ploy for French people to buy more cars! In the guide, restaurants are rated on the quality of their food. Today, the Michelin star guide is gospel for many food fanatics!

So, in short: France is the perfect place to be a gourmand.

![french food cheese](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/20c4OhJmjMIvF8hgUZ1r4N/37f8903e72186de2067cdec6d5aa3eaa/darren-coleshill-178479-unsplash.jpg)

We asked our very own French [Tandem tutor](https://www.tandem.net/tandem-tutors/) Isabelle about what food means in her culture and how being a gourmand is an essential part of almost every French person’s life.

## Just what is a gourmand, exactly? 
“A gourmand (or gourmande, if it’s a female) is a person who cannot help but eat food that is pleasing to the eye. Just looking at or smelling a well-arranged and colorful dish awakens the imagination and makes you really want to taste it. Most French people are gourmands!” 

## What part does food play in French culture? 

“Food is very important in French culture. Food needs to be good or French people probably won't eat it or won't come back to the restaurant, especially if it's badly presented or doesn't taste great. Even cheaper restaurants offer nice food; if they didn’t people would simply not go there.” "Food is something special to be shared with family and friends so going to a restaurant is seen as a very sociable occasion. In fact, in 2010 the ‘[Gastronomic Meal of the French](https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/gastronomic-meal-of-the-french-00437)’ - where family and friends come together to enjoy good food and drink in a specified order of dishes - was declared a ‘World Intangible Heritage’ by UNESCO. This means it is a protected tradition of France, which shows just how important the social side of sharing a meal is in French culinary life.”

## What are the main dishes in French cuisine? 

There are simply hundreds! But here are a few of the most famous: 

- <cite lang="fr">**Le Pot au feu**</cite> - a classic stew from northern France made with beef and vegetables
- <cite lang="fr">**Les Tomates farcies**</cite> - baked tomatoes stuffed with sausage meat
- <cite lang="fr">**La Raclette**</cite> - a dish based on melting cheese with grilled vegetables and meats
- <cite lang="fr">**Les Moules frites**</cite> - mussels and french fries with a white wine sauce
- <cite lang="fr">**La Quiche Lorraine**</cite> - a savoury open pie filled with a cheese and meat filling which comes from the Lorraine region of France
- <cite lang="fr">**Les Escargots au beurre d'ail**</cite> - snails cooked with garlic butter
- <cite lang="fr">**Les Crêpes**</cite> - large, thin and flat pancakes which can be eaten with sweet or savoury toppings
- <cite lang="fr">**Le Rôti de bœuf**</cite> - roast beef served with vegetables.

Feeling hungry? These phrases are great to use when speaking to your [French Tandem Partner](https://www.tandem.net/en/partner/France/)… and what better way to stay motivated with language learning than by using food as your teaching material?

Here are some great French phrases and idioms to use when you want to unleash your inner gourmand:

- <cite lang="fr">J'ai une faim de loup!</cite> - I'm as hungry as a wolf!  
- <cite lang="fr">Je n'ai pas assez mangé</cite> - I haven't eaten enough  
- <cite lang="fr">J'ai assez mangé</cite> - I've eaten enough 
- <cite lang="fr">J'ai trop mangé</cite> - I've eaten too much  
- <cite lang="fr">Je suis repue</cite> - I'm full  
- <cite lang="fr">C'était vraiment délicieux!</cite> - It was incredibly tasy! 
- <cite lang="fr">Ça n'était pas bon!</cite> - It wasn't good! 
- <cite lang="fr">C'était infecte!</cite> - It was inedible!
- <cite lang="fr">Bon appétit!</cite> - Enjoy your meal!

Feeling peckish? Want to know how to express that in French? Check out these 9 essential French phrases for lovers of France and food alike!

france

/french-phrases-food-gourmand/

9 French Foodie Phrases To Unleash Your Inner Gourmand

Sakura season has arrived in Japan! This is the time of year when spring starts to appear in Japan and other parts of Asia, and people come out in force to celebrate the end of winter and marvel at the beautiful blossoms. Here’s everything you need to know about this spectacular time of year and the festivities that accompany it.

__Tandem 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](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) the Tandem app now to connect with people all across the world!__

### When does cherry blossom season usually happen?

It starts from the middle of March on the southern side of Japan and finishes at the end of April or beginning of May on Hokkaido, Japan’s most northerly island. Many Japanese people watch the blossom forecast - **sakura-zensen (桜前線)** - very carefully to know when the blossoms will appear in their area. As the blossoms only appear for two weeks at most, it is easy to accidentally miss out!

![japan sakura](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/TOr7RMGqN98KcqmTNFZtA/b7ccd458bb8a5751d5b519f16ce63077/pexels-photo-356269.jpeg)

### Why is the season so important in Japanese culture?

Cherry blossoms are an iconic feature of the Japanese springtime landscape. They are also said to be symbolic of Japanese spirit: of beauty, life, evanescence and death. The blooming of the blossoms represents spring, and a new start after a long cold winter. But the blossoms don’t hang around for very long - [in Japanese culture](https://www.tandem.net/learn-japanese-online/), their quick departure is similar to the transient nature of life. As Japanese school graduation and entrance ceremonies happen during this season, it is a very memorable time for most Japanese people where they reflect on things past and look forward to new starts. 

[Artistic culture in Japan](https://www.tandem.net/tandem-tales-language-exchange-art/) has been influenced heavily by cherry blossom season too. Many Japanese writers, artists and musicians have taken inspiration from the beautiful blossoms and the festivities taking place under the cherry trees. [Here](https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/haiku-poetry-about-japans-cherry-blossoms/) are some beautiful translations of Japanese Haikus all about cherry blossom season. Many singers sing about cherry blossom as a symbol of transience of encounter and parting in their lyrics. Much traditional and modern Japanese music uses cherry blossom as a main theme - check out these clips for a taste of Japanese Sakura music:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jqpFjsMtCb0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

*******

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v8lN_AGf_-c" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

### How do people celebrate Sakura season?

The main way to celebrate is by going to see the cherry trees in full bloom! Parks in Japan are guaranteed to be filled with thousands of people at this time of year. **Hanami (****花見)** parties, or cherry blossom gazing gatherings, are also very popular in Japan during Sakura season. At these parties, groups of friends and family come together with food and drink to celebrate the arrival of spring under the blossom trees. It is common for groups to reserve the best spots for their party in advance by laying their picnic blankets down on the spot they want - sometimes several hours or even days ahead of their party!

![9708](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1NX2hDEUbJRPZkDR9SrlkZ/326287e6c4b22bad25a10b2ec430a16c/pexels-photo-72473.jpeg)

Here are the most important words you need to know for cherry blossom season in Japan:

**Sakura (桜)** - Sakura means “cherry blossom” and is derived from saku 咲, which means to bloom, or alternately to smile/laugh. The 口 in 咲 indicates an open mouth. Cherry blossoms are a symbolic flower of the spring, a time of renewal, and the fleeting nature of life.

**Hana-yori-dango (花より団子)** - This is a funny proverb which makes fun of the fact that some people attending the _hanami_ celebrations are more interested in the food and drink they are consuming than in looking at the flowers! It literally translates as “dumplings rather than flowers”!

**Hanagasumi (花霞)** - this is the Japanese word used to describe the scene with many blossoms - literally translated as the “flower haze”

**Sakura-fubuki (桜吹雪)** - this means “cherry blossom snowstorm”. Often cherry blossom petals dance in the spring wind, which from a distance can look like a storm of pink petals!

**Hana-no-ami (花の雨)** - flower rain. This is the special Japanese phrase for when rain falls on the cherry blossoms - an incredibly beautiful sight.

**Hana-akari (花明かり)** - flower lights. When the cherry blossom is in full bloom, the vivid color makes the darkness look much brighter than normal.

**Mikkaminumanosakura (三日見ぬ間の桜)** - this is a highly descriptive and evocative word in Japanese that means change happens very suddenly and intensely, much like the cherry blossoms that go from full bloom to being scattered in just a short space of time. 

**Hazakura (葉桜)** - cherry tree leaves. Once the flower blossom has fallen, small leaves start to appear on the trees, a sign the summer will soon be on the way! 

__How do you celebrate the coming of spring in your country? Make sure you share your cultural experiences with your friends on [Tandem](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u)!__

Cherry blossom season: a spectacular time when trees become alive with beautiful colours. Find out everything you need to know about this stunning festival!

/japanese-words-cherry-blossom/

8 Beautiful Japanese Words for Cherry Blossom Season

We love celebrating different cultures and languages from around the world here at Tandem. And on St Patrick’s Day, 17th March, we turn to a green island in the Northern Hemisphere with unique cultural heritage and incredible national language… [Ireland](https://www.tandem.net/partner/ireland)! St Patrick’s Day is a huge celebration of all things Irish and is famous across the world too, particularly in places with a large Irish diaspora. It’s also a chance to find out more about Ireland’s national language, Irish Gaelic, or Gaeilge.

__Here at Tandem, we believe that the best way to learn a language is to actually speak it! That’s why we’ve developed an awesome [app](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) that allows members to connect with native speakers and practice 150+ languages. It’s not just about learning from each other, it’s also about having fun while practicing languages together.__


### What is Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge)?

Gaeilge shares status with English as an official language in Ireland, but it is designated as Ireland’s only national language. Though English may be what you hear spoken on the street (in Ireland’s major cities at least), Gaeilge is the historic language of the Irish people and is steadily growing in use again through strong support of the Irish government. Some fun facts about Gaeilge:

*   It is the native language of just under 80,000 native speakers in Ireland and Northern Ireland, but is the second language of millions more;
*   Gaeilge has only 11 irregular verbs, compared with over 100 in English;
*   There is no word for ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in Gaeilge;
*   Gaeilge uses the grammatical structure Verb-Subject-Object (VSO). Only 8% of the world’s languages are structured like this.

So, basically: while English will help you get by in Ireland, a few words or phrases in Gaeilge are likely to go straight to the heart of the locals! And there’s no better time to start than St Patrick’s Day.


### What is St Patrick’s Day?

St Patrick’s Day honours St Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, who died on March 17th in the year 461. St Patrick’s Day has been celebrated as a national holiday in Ireland since 1903, but many people in all parts of the world also come together on March 17th to celebrate Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.  

### Who was St Patrick?

Although St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, he actually was born in Roman Britain and was taken from Britain to Ireland as a slave. He later escaped to a monastery and started to work as a Christian missionary, and is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Over time he has become a national symbol of Ireland and its culture.  

### Where is St Patrick’s Day celebrated?

While St Patrick’s Day is a public holiday in Ireland, today it is a truly global celebration. This is partly due to the Great Famine in Ireland in the 1840s, which caused thousands of Irish people to emigrate all over the world. As they settled in different countries, they brought with them their rich cultural heritage and tradition.

### How do people celebrate it?

Although it began as a religious festival, nowadays St Patrick’s Day is celebrated by people of all nationalities and is primarily a celebration of Irish culture, language and traditions. Classic symbols of St Patrick’s Day include shamrocks, green clothing and luck - often shown by finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow! 

**Strange but true:** the largest St Patrick’s Day festival is not actually in Ireland, but in New York, USA. Around 200,000 people take part in the parade, attracting crowds of over 3 million spectators each year!

To celebrate it ourselves, we’ve added some special St Patrick’s Day cards to the app for you to share with your partner. You can send a St Patrick’s Day card by tapping the holiday icon when you are in the messaging tab.

__Find out how to send a Holiday Card on Tandem [here](https://www.tandem.net/send-holiday-christmas-cards/).__

![holiday cards st patrick](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1Dl2AdOnSU7oYJkkgK0dcI/07f7a98f5c9b9f63998d046ee90ea2fa/blog_cards_spd-1.png)

Here are some short phrases in Irish to try out with your Tandem partner or at a St Patrick’s Day celebration!

* **Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Duit!** - Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
* **Cá mbeidh tú ag fliuchadh na seamróige?** - Where will you be drowning your shamrock? (i.e. where will you be going for a drink?)
* **Sláinte ‘s táinte** - Health and wealth!
* **Pionta Guinness, le do thoil** - A pint of Guinness please.
* **Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat** - May luck rise to you. 
* **Ádh na n-Éireannach** - Luck of the Irish. 

__Thanks to Siún Ní Dhuinn for her help with getting the Gaeilge right! You can check out her website for bilingual English and Irish writing [here](http://www.asannua.com).__

##### YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

Learn about the history of St Patrick's Day and celebrate Irish culture with some great Irish Gaelic phrases to share with your Tandem partner!

green-shamrock-irish

/st-patricks-day-facts-irish-phrases/

St Patrick's Day: Fun Facts & Irish Phrases to Help You Celebrate

We’ve all been there: you’re speaking in a foreign language with a native speaker and all is going well, until suddenly they say something completely bizarre. You understand the words, but the meaning is totally lost on you. “It’s raining cats and dogs?”… What on earth does that even mean?!

![toa-heftiba-723246-unsplash copy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/46uTDJLJJGnsjIqlPtQTco/fe53274e61705a2f7b37bef06d6dbf8b/toa-heftiba-723246-unsplash_copy.jpg)

### What are idioms?

Idioms are phrases whose meanings are not clear from their literal form, and so are mostly understood only by native speakers of a language (unless non-native speakers sit down and learn them). Every language has these interesting set phrases that seem bizarre when translated in a literal sense, but have fascinating figurative meanings. So, if you want to sound more like a native speaker in the language you are learning, then idioms are a fantastic - not to mention hilarious - way to show off your skills. 

Take the English phrase “to be full of beans”, for example, which means to have lots of energy. That excitable dog running around the park probably didn’t eat beans for breakfast, but he is still full of beans! Using idioms in a foreign language requires a good knowledge of vocabulary and situational context. When used correctly though, they can make your language sound colorful and exciting. And best of all, they make you sound more fluent! They are also a really useful way to gain insights into the culture that surrounds the language you are learning.

Luckily for you, we’re on hand with a fun list of idiomatic expressions in 10 languages that might just help to clear up a few things next time you are [chatting with a native speaker](https://www.tandem.net/language-exchange) and they start saying something strange! And of course using idioms is a sure-fire way to ignite conversation and impress your Tandem partner. So why not try out a few of these phrases and wow your language partner on Tandem today! 

## English: to let the cat out the bag
- What it means: to reveal a big secret

## Russian: Ни пуха ни пера!... Answer: К чёрту!
- Literal translation: Neither feather nor feather!... Answer: To Hell!
- What it means: Good luck!... Answer: Thanks!
 
## Portuguese: Pão, pão, queijo, queijo
- Literal translation: Bread is bread and cheese is cheese 
- What it means: it’s really simple 

![9565](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/62XJYccfoUVzzv3s824Hjg/8908d30fc5c401509c434b29616caf6a/alice-donovan-rouse-171565-unsplash.jpg)

## French: ça coute la peau des yeux
- Literal translation: It costs the skin of your eyes 
- What it means: it’s really expensive 

## Swedish: Ingen ko på isen
- Literal translation: there’s no cow on the ice 
- What it means: don’t worry

![9564](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/VPA0Q5fIgiPeohFMWryR3/df1f9989db3fbdc4523abab513ab929c/marek-szturc-424117-unsplash.jpg)

## Japanese: 井の中の蛙大海を知らず (I no naka no kawazu taikai wo shirazu) 
- Literal translation: A frog in a well does not know the great sea 
- What it means: people often judge things from their narrow experience and do not consider the world outside - don’t be narrow minded.

## Italian: Buono come il pane
- Literal translation: as good as bread 
- What it means: description of someone kind and good 

## Chinese: 风和日丽 (fēng hé rì lì)
- Literal translation: the wind is mild and the sun is bright 
- What it means: you’re having a good day

## Flemish: Helaas Pindakaas
- Literal translation: Unfortunately, peanut butter
- What it means: Never mind, that’s a shame. 

## German: Schwein haben
- Literal translation: to have a pig 
- What it means: to have good luck 

![bruno-van-der-kraan-549950-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/K8mgbpx3LpFh3DSpuW1OY/22f7e3c28be6e4f72a1d2668e715729c/bruno-van-der-kraan-549950-unsplash.jpg)

__What are your favorite foreign language idioms? [Join](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) the language exchange community on Tandem today!__

Wondering how you can make yourself sound more like a native speaker? Idioms are your answer! Take a look at our handy list of idioms in 10 languages!

Friends

Impressive Idioms in 10 Languages to Make You Sound Like a Native Speaker

### It’s Winter Olympics time!

The Winter Olympic Games is a major international sporting event that celebrates sports played in the ice and snow. It happens every four years and has been happening since 1924. This February, the 23rd Winter Olympics are taking place in Pyeongchang province in [South Korea](https://www.tandem.net/partner/south-korea). Korea is famous for K-pop, barbecue and amazing technology. But it’s also famous for the Korean language - a unique language that has few linguistic relations. Around 80 million people worldwide speak Korean.

__Tandem 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](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) the Tandem app now to connect with people all across the world!__

![korean lights](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/60wQZLCoChxzDpniTrcnlK/d44f5ca0be0fea71a0b81add88a6237d/pexels-photo-373290.jpeg)

The Winter Olympics are a great way to find out a bit more about Korean culture, and get your first start with the Korean language. To help you, we’ve put together a survival kit of Korean for the Olympics. Whether you’re travelling to Pyeongchang yourself, or just planning to make a new Korean friend on Tandem, these phrases are sure to be invaluable! Because Korean uses Hangul script, we’ve also included the Latin transliteration.

### Basic Korean

- **Hello (formal)** 안녕하세요 Annyeonghaseyo 
- **Hi (informal)** 안녕 (비격식체) Annyeong 
- **Please** 부탁드립니다 Butakdeurimnida 
- **Thank you!** 고맙습니다! Gomabseubnida 
- **You’re welcome** 별말씀을요 Byeolmalsseumeuryo 
- **My name is…** 제 이름은... Je ireumeun... 
- **What’s your name?** 이름이 어떻게 되세요? Ireumi eotteoke doeseyo?

### Olympics vocabulary

- **Winter Olympics** 동계 올림픽 Donggye ollimpik 
- **Snow** 눈 Nun 
- **Ice** 빙상 Bingsang 
- **Skiing** 스키 Seuki 
- **Biathlon** 바이애슬론 Baiaeseullon 
- **Curling** 컬링 Keolling 
- **Ice skating** 빙상 스케이팅 Bingsang seukeiting 
- **Ice hockey** 아이스하키 Aiseuhaki 
- **Snowboarding** 스노보드 Seunobodeu

### Tandem Olympic conversation starters

- **Are you watching the Winter Olympics?** 동계 올림픽 보고 계신가요? Donggye ollimpik bogo gyesingayo? 
- **What’s your favorite sport in the Winter Olympics?** 동계 올림픽에서 가장 좋아하는 스포츠는 무엇인가요? Donggye ollimpigeseo gajang joahaneun seupocheuneun mueosingayo? 
- **Who is your favorite athlete?** 가장 좋아하는 운동 선수는 누구인가요? Gajang joahaneun undong seonsuneun nuguingayo? 
- **Which country do you want to win?** 어느 나라가 우승하길 바라십니까? Eoneu naraga useunghagil barasimnikka? 

__check out more of our conversation starters [here](https://www.tandem.net/conversation-starters-language-learners)!__

Get into the sporting spirit for the Winter Olympic Games with these awesome Korean phrases and conversation topics to share with your Tandem partner.

jorg-angeli-361802 copy

Survival Korean for PyeongChang 2018

How much do you know about the [Russian language](https://www.tandem.net/russian-stereotypes-fact-fiction)? With the World Cup in Russia fast approaching in Summer 2018, it’s no surprise that more and more people are opting to learn the most widely-spoken [Slavic language](https://www.tandem.net/slavic-languages-history-list-useful-tips). Despite a growing interest in foreign languages across Russian-speaking countries, still only about 5.5 percent of Russian speakers are able to speak English as either a first or second language. Therefore being able to speak even a little bit of Russianremains a massive advantage for travel or business in the region. 

__The Tandem app isn’t just about language exchange, it’s also about cultural exchange and fostering meaningful conversations with people from all over the world. Break down barriers and celebrate diversity by downloading our [Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) now!__

![nikita-karimov-lvJZhHOIJJ4-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/57hSUa67KwP5v8TVX4my60/1c2bccca3b3285f409afc30d593430dd/nikita-karimov-lvJZhHOIJJ4-unsplash.jpg)

Some more incredible facts about Russian:

*   There are over 260 million Russian speakers worldwide.
*   It’s an official language in [Russia](https://www.tandem.net/partner/russia), [Belarus](https://www.tandem.net/partner/belarus), [Kazakhstan](https://www.tandem.net/partner/kazakhstan), and Kyrgyzstan, and unofficial but widely-spoken in a number of other countries.
*   It’s an Indo-European language on the East Slavic branch.
*   It’s one of 6 official languages of the United Nations.
*   It’s the most geographically widespread language in Eurasia.
*   It’s written with the fascinating Cyrillic alphabet.

For those who do wish to take the plunge and learn Russian, many challenges lie ahead, as with any language. For learners totally new to the language, the most obvious seems to be the Cyrillic alphabet, which is only used for a handful of other languages besides Russian. But Russian is more than just the Cyrillic alphabet. Russian speakers have many special linguistic skills that set them apart - here are a few of the most interesting things that you’ll be able to do if you learn the Russian language!

### 1. Pronounce “ы” correctly

Pronouncing the “ы” sound is a big challenge for many Russian learners - but it’s an important part of speaking the language correctly. A very common vowel sound in Russian, “ы” is similar to the English short “ee” sound, but pronounced from the back of the throat and deep into the chest. You should feel a sharp contraction in your chest as you expel the sound. Some even say it sounds like you’re being punched in the stomach! The good news for some is that this sound is also present in Romanian and Turkish, as well as a few other languages. But for native speakers of most languages, mastering the ы is a key part of sounding like a Russian! 

### 2. Master six cases

While quite a few languages have retained their grammatical cases, Russian cases are intense. Firstly, there are six - Nominative, Accusative, Dative, Genitive, Instrumental and Prepositional - only a few languages have more than this. Secondly, while Russian helpfully dispenses of articles (a famous struggle for learners of German cases), it insists on both adjectives and nouns having their ending change to indicate case. The realisation that, yes, depending on the sentence meaning, your ACTUAL NAME will have a different ending, is mind-blowing for many elementary Russian learners. It could be worse, though - the Tsez language has 24 cases!

### 3. Choose whatever word order you fancy

Cases are so heavily used in Russian that word order is flexible, as most of the meaning is derived from the case. If you’re coming from a language where sentence structure is everything, this can be quite surprising! The idea that word order is meaningless in Russian is a myth, however. It DOES have an impact - but the choice of emphasis is left to the speaker. Russian sentences do often tend to be structured subject-verb-object, so moving the structure around is often done for a particular emotional effect. 

### 4. Use diminutives… a lot

If you’ve ever read “War & Peace”, Leo Tolstoy’s 19th century epic novel (or watched it on TV), you might have noticed how each of the characters has at least two names. Natalya is called Natasha; Sofiya is called Sonya; Nikolai is Kolya. To non-Russian readers… these two names are totally different. Yet, in Russian, these names are just informal and formal versions of the same name... Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Russian diminutives! Diminutives are standardised informal nicknames, and there are more than two for every name. Therefore, a “Ekaterina” could be called Katya, but also Katyenka, Katyushka, Katyushenka, or even Katyushechka. Be careful, however - many of these are only appropriate with a certain amount of intimacy! 

### 5. Talk about movement in many, many ways

One of the very first things you learn in a new language is the verb “to go”. Not so in Russian. Usually teachers save it until you already have a basic understanding of other key Russian verbs, so you don’t get totally overwhelmed! Why is this? As well as several different root words for the English verb “to go”, Russian verbs of motion escalate in difficulty very quickly once you start adding multiple prefixes and suffixes onto the root words. While this can be challenging for learners, once you’ve mastered it, it can be really cool to have so many different and specific ways to express yourself! 

### 6. Know exactly when a “ь” is necessary

Silent letters are common in a lot of languages, but what about a letter that has no “sound” at all? The “мягкий знак” (myakiy znak) is an important indicator of how to pronounce some words in Russian and other languages that use the Cyrillic alphabet. Rather than representing an individual sound, the “ь” indicates the softening of the preceding consonant. A little known fact is that the “ь” was once a true vowel, with a sound something like “ih”. But it fell out of use centuries ago and is now only used as a “phonetic marker”. 

### 7. Identify the color blue very accurately

While most languages have one main word for the color “blue”, Russian has two of equal importance! Dark shades of blue are “синий” and light shades are “голубой”. Fun Fact: because of this specific distinction, Russian speakers have been proven to have more accurate skills at distinguishing and categorising different shades of blue than native speakers of English :)

__Intrigued? Find a Russian language partner on the Tandem [app](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) today!__

How much do you know about Russian? With the World Cup in Russia approaching in Summer 2018, we look at the coolest things about the language.

russia

/7-cool-things-russian/

7 Cool Things Russian Speakers Can Do

German Christmas markets are famous around the world. But what words do you need to know to enjoy them? We asked our [German Tutor](https://www.tandem.net/learn-german-online) and native Berliner Vivien to give us the top vocabulary you need when visiting a traditional Christmas market...

![9131](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3j5LS2EweYA4H6qbzNHnKM/0ed3cc4dd38e2a25e743ad14b3fa600b/Screen-Shot-2017-12-21-at-152.png)

If you want to enjoy all that the market has to offer, you need to remember to bring a bit of cash. Though many countries have been keen to embrace card payments for even the smallest purchases, many German restaurants and shops only take cash. And Christmas markets are no exception!

![9135](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3si5NFpwuHetrY1EbQdhwt/bb8c63f824832609485903dbb9f3d5d0/handschuhe.png)

Before you go - make sure you wrap up warm. The temperature in Germany is usually between -1°C and 5°C in December, so you'll need some extra clothes to enjoy the outdoor markets. The most important items to bring are "die Handschuhe" - gloves - as you'll need to keep your hands out of your pockets to enjoy the special food and drink on sale.

![9136](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/MkRMVHMc2LfeT5wRLqec7/019ce8d8dfb39a80a9b242cd3f360eaa/mutze.png)

And don't forget a warm wooly "Mütze" to keep your head warm (and protect you from any rain or snow...)

![9137](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6FNCB1Kbh7cpNMCn4WZyDS/bb9a2f6f739d423ce13b186a1260e944/Schal.png)

And of course, a thick scarf to keep the cold air away from your neck!

![9138](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/4x6bvnj5fx3T9I1tzmr8Bv/bd07587704eb7a2c1a5d7642217c6a55/Weihnachtsmarkt.png)

Of course, the most important word you need to learn is Christmas market in German - "der Weihnachtsmarkt". It's a compound noun with two parts: "Weihnachts" (Christmas) and "markt" (market). Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany. For centuries, special outdoor markets have been arranged during Advent (the four weeks before Christmas) to add some joy and light during the cold German winter. These days, the tradition has spread all around the world - you can find Christmas markets in the UK, the USA and even in Japan! Berlin itself has over 50 different markets happening during December!

![9141](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3U2O3XbUOlIkGY1De1DhQR/f285e19d48604a1e49b3b8a28b12c8e1/Screen-Shot-2017-12-21-at-15.43.07.png)

No Christmas market would be complete without its centerpiece - the Christmas tree, or "Der Weinhachtsbaum". Usually a "Weihnachtsbaum" is decorated with small lights. See our blog post for more information on [Christmas tree traditions around the world!](https://www.tandem.net/tandem-guide-christmas-tree-around-world/)

![9148](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5yzMsNIqrjjqGk1YfDfaE5/0159d25508580bd095e0bdfcd7da079e/krippe.png)

Most German Christmas markets will have a nativity scene, or "Weihnachtskrippe", linking back to the Christian roots of the tradition.

![9149](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3ljDRwgsYvqSLtsoYRtGqz/c7a15bf3a7fc1bd7365da5870cbb8e16/gluhwein.png)

Make sure you try a glass of Glühwein! It's a hot alcoholic drink, made with:

![9158](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/2b7A6lgF3ja16ODs5tqw0p/7213e28313494dd8a54201b9082363f6/Screen-Shot-2017-12-22-at-13.07.24.png)

The more adventurous drinkers enjoy a “Feuerzangenbowle” – where a rum-soaked sugar lump is set on fire so the caramelised sugar drips into a bowl of Glühwein below! If you are looking for something really alcoholic, you can ask for an extra "Schuss" - or shot - to be added to your drink. Be careful though - it's easy to get drunk to quickly on sweet, warming Glühwein!

![9152](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6U7vsx949uZNam5QDA1o7t/3273d02d03e378e9a67746391219b58c/pfand.png)

This is something quite special to Germany. If you buy some Glühwein, it is usually served in a special Christmas market mug. These often have a unique design for the market you're at. You usually need to pay a bit extra to "borrow" the glass - usually 2 or 3 euro per glass. The money is given back when you return the glass, or you can keep it as a cheap souvenir. This deposit is usually called "der Pfand" in German, as with the similar system for bottles.

![9153](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1COHlyPjpUYqTItfgCNRU6/5ee2a27d5dad85341b90991c4bdb0446/mandeln.png)

"Die Mandeln" - almonds - are the basis of many Christmas foods in Germany, and if you have a sweet tooth, Christmas markets are a great place to try these special nuts yourself! "Gebrannte Mandeln" are a type of candied almonds that are cooked and covered in crunchy, browned sugar. Lekker!

![9147](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6GdvU6S0N3mdDc9H6XZlo2/b0f901c505b485389155cd8ff9761f52/geschenke.png)

Christmas markets traditionally were an opportunity for local crafts and trade people to show off their wares in time for the holiday season. Even today, many of the stalls at the markets feature home-made or artisan products, from soap to candles to decorations, which make for perfect Christmas presents - "die Weihnachtsgeschenke".

![9146](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5pfl0K1Y7yNUD0dKji5k8D/f6dc604b2a2d22fb7c36ee4983d4f688/tschuss.png)

Most Christmas markets finish at the end of December - but don't worry, they will be back again next year for you to enjoy! We say "Tschüss" to the Christmas markets until then! 

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0yId7DflJHQ" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

**Intrigued by** [**German language and culture**](http://www.tandem.net/learn-german-online/)**? Why not find a German language partner on Tandem! [Download](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) today!**

German Christmas markets are famous around the world. But what words do you need to know to enjoy them? We ask our German Tutor, Vivien!

christmas-market-germany

15 German Words You Need at a Christmas Market

Here at the Tandem HQ in Berlin, it’s IMPOSSIBLE to ignore the approach of Christmas. From the first of December onwards, the city becomes filled with a palpable excitement for the coming festivities. [Christmas markets](https://www.tandem.net/15-german-christmas-market-words) open in different corners of the city, serving Glühwein and Bratwurst to grateful revellers, and and the streets grow busy with busy shoppers, dressed up in warm coats to protect from the freezing December weather. 

One notable feature of German Christmas is the “Weihnachtsbaum” - a decorated Christmas tree, usually a spruce, fir or pine tree. Christmas trees are popular all over the world, and even some legends stretch back before Christmas existed, but the main familiar evergreen tree traditions originated here in Germany. 

![kelly-sikkema-z5FdQQiX7Kg-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/691QUz2yiI6VssXvkS6IWj/72300a080d933ad91f0117eda13d577f/kelly-sikkema-z5FdQQiX7Kg-unsplash.jpg)

A traditional German Christmas tree uses real candles to decorate it with light. According to legends, German Protestant reformer Martin Luther was the first to do this in the 16th century. He wanted to find a way of recreating the starry Christmas Eve sky indoors - and the twinkling lights of the “Weihnachtsbaum” was a great solution! 

They remain an important part of German Christmas decorations to this day - though now of course, we tend to use electric lights rather than candles for safety reasons! But Germany isn’t the only country that enjoys decorating a Christmas tree in December. Here are some of the most interesting ways that the tradition of the “Weihnachtsbaum” has been interpreted across the world!

![9083](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/7h70PPOlAEwZc6eLk7bvLr/2ea50e9896e4ed8776c95190cbef1107/pexels-photo-688010.jpeg)

### Australia

As [Australia](https://www.tandem.net/partner/australia) is in the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas actually falls in the middle of summer. Hot weather and sunshine mean Christmas trees take on a local twist. Evergreens like spruce and fir aren’t common Australia, so some people make do with artificial trees with classic decorations. But even more common is a bunch from the Christmas Bush - an indigenous Australian plant with small green leaves and cream colored flowers. In summer the flowers turn a deep shiny red - very Christmassy!

### Ukraine

In [Ukraine](https://www.tandem.net/partner/ukraine), folklore, religion and soviet culture mix to form some fascinating traditions. When it comes to Christmas trees, traditional evergreens are the top choice, but decorations are quite specific. 

It is considered very good luck to have a spider’s web in some form on the tree, whether it be a small ornament or a large web covering the entire tree. This links back to the Legend of the Christmas Spider. The story goes that a poor family could not afford to decorate their tree at Christmas, but they wake on Christmas morning to find that a spider had “decorated” it beautifully with its silvery, glittering web. The story of the spider’s web is the secret reason why so many households across the world still decorate their trees with tinsel, though many don't know the origins of the story.

### [Sweden](https://www.tandem.net/partner/sweden)

Christmas trees are put up and taken down with a very Swedish zeal for precision: they must be up by Christmas Day and stay up until 12 days after Christmas! The trees are decorated with stars, sunbursts and snowflakes made from straw. Other decorations include colorful wooden animals and straw centerpieces.

### [United KIngdom](https://www.tandem.net/partner/united-kingdom)

British people love Christmas trees and there is usually one in every house. The most famous tree is a huge one in Trafalgar Square, [London](https://www.tandem.net/partner/language-exchange-london), which is given to the UK by the city of Oslo, Norway every year. Fun fact: the first Norwegian tree gift was given in 1947 as a thank you for the UK’s support during the Second World War, and Oslo has given a fine Norwegian spruce every year since.

![9084](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/t7hkEWHYXOpt4iSQqoQGd/c3a154b4b251162494d5c975ade35da7/pexels-photo-704219.jpeg)

### Latvia… and Estonia

Though many of the traditions we know about Christmas trees come from Germany, the first ever documented use of a tree during the Christmas and New Year period is claimed by the city of [Riga](https://www.tandem.net/partner/language-exchange-riga), in Latvia! However, this claim is disputed by Latvia’s Baltic neighbor, Estonia - both countries say they had the first ever Christmas/New Year tree in their capital cities, sometime in the late 13th/early 14th century. What is certainly true is that both cities still have beautiful Christmas trees in their city centres in December and early January.

### Japan

As Christmas was not really celebrated in [Japan](https://www.tandem.net/partner/japan), those who did want to put up a tree have traditionally been left without conventional decorations. Instead, handmade origami birds are used as a pretty ornament on many Japanese Christmas trees.

### India

As it is difficult to track down a fir or spruce tree in India, many who wish to celebrate instead decorate local bushes, like mango or banana. In fact, any tree that could be decorated is used as part of the celebrations! People also use mango leaves to decorate their homes and make them look more festive.

### Brazil

Christmas is a massive celebration in [Brazil](https://www.tandem.net/partner/brazil), and Christmas trees are a common motif. After midnight mass on Christmas eve, there are often big light shows - these are very commonly in the shape of a Christmas tree. Brazil also had the distinction of having the tallest ever artificial tree, until Sri Lanka unveiled a bigger one in 2016. It was called the 'Peace Tree' and was displayed in Moinhos de Vento Park, Porto Alegre, Brazil from 2001 to 2002. 

These are just a few of the countries that are known for their interesting trees, check out more [Christmas traditions here](https://www.tandem.net/10-christmas-facts-around-world)!

Do you put up a Christmas tree at home in December? Our blog post looks at where Christmas trees come from, and different traditions from around the world.

christmas

The Tandem Guide to Christmas Trees Around the World

Kindness. It may not be something you immediately associate with learning a language, but actually you often don't find one without the other. Seems strange? Think of the first time you [practiced a foreign language with a native speaker](https://www.tandem.net/language-exchange). How did they react? Probably you made some mistakes, but still… you could see they appreciated that you were making the effort to learn. Perhaps it was the smile they gave you, or the way they slowed down just a little to make it easier for you to understand. 

It is these little acts of kindness that give us confidence and motivate us to keep trying to learn languages, especially when learning as an adult. [World Kindness Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Kindness_Day) seems like a good day to think about the role kindness plays in language learning. Sometimes, learning a language feels like an endless, difficult, uphill hike to fluency, and even once you get there, you’re still working hard to keep it going! A kind word here and there can be just what you need to overcome your fears and keep it up on the road to fluency. 

You also see kindness and support from other language learners. The great thing is that everyone who learns a language is in the same boat. You all start from the same place, and though it takes different routes and speeds to reach the destination, it’s possible for everyone to get there eventually. 

At Tandem, we’ve always been big champions of being kind and supportive to each other. In a lot of ways, being a member of the Tandem community is an act of kindness in itself. You are offering yourself as a teacher to help someone else learn. Sure, you’ll learn too in this kind of exchange, but you still need to be willing to share valuable time. That’s a precious gift in our fast-moving age! Here are some ways you can show kindness to your [language exchange partner](https://www.tandem.net/partner):

### Give them some praise

Meaningful praise makes us feel good! Yet perhaps the last time you got praise for doing a good job was when you were at school. Know that praise is highly motivational when you learn a language, and don’t be afraid to dish it out when it is deserved! Find something to praise in your partner’s language skills, particularly if you can see that they are struggling. It is great to highlight areas where they have improved over time - remind them where they were when they started, and how far they have come since there, for example. But actually, just a simple “well done” or “great job” will also go a long way to build your partner’s confidence.

### Go at their pace

It is a challenge to find a language partner who is exactly the same level as you (though our new Language Levels feature should help with this). Even if you are the same level technically, we are naturally more comfortable with some skills than others - so you might be confident in your grammar knowledge, while your partner excels at pronunciation. The kindest thing you can do is to be patient and go at their pace. Recognise your differences and give them space to improve gradually over time. Rushing them to reach your level quickly is not a charitable thing to do, as it’s likely to cause them stress and gain a negative impression of the language.

### Be reliable

Being reliable is one of the kindest things you can do as a language exchange partner! It is demoralising to decide on a time for a [video language exchange](https://www.tandem.net/first-video-language-exchange), then have your partner stand you up. Ensure this doesn’t happen by communicating well and trying to be as reliable as possible!

### If they ask for help… give it

While a Tandem exchange should usually be pretty equal between partners, sometimes your partner will need help with something that you don’t expect - be it some homework advice, exam revision or even just a random question about your language. Don’t hesitate to lend a helping hand! It feels good to help someone else, especially considering they may come from a country where it’s hard to find people that speak your language. They are likely to return the favor in the future!

### Be honest - but constructive

Honesty is nearly always the best policy, and your partner will thank you for telling it like it is. However, do think about how you phrase things and give feedback as considerately as possible. Also stop to think if the feedback you are giving is actually useful. Does it clearly help solve an issue your partner is having? For example, it isn’t very helpful to say that your partner’s pronunciation isn’t good in general, but you could instead model some examples of correct pronunciation, or practice together saying a few words that are really challenging. Focusing on one small, solvable issue within a bigger problem can be much more constructive than pointing out the seemingly insurmountable large issue without helping to solve it.

### Thank them

They just took some time out of their day to learn with you. It’s always nice to say thanks! Even if you might not find it necessary in your own culture, a “thank you” goes a long way. Learn how to say [thank you in different languages](https://www.tandem.net/thank-you-different-languages)! And last but not least…

### Be kind to yourself!

Set a good example for your partner by not being overly critical of yourself. You aren’t going to be able to speak if you’re stressed! So take it easy!

It's World Kindness Day! We decided to look at the ways in which kindness helps you to learn a language - and why you should be kind to your Tandem partner.

/world-kindness-day/

World Kindness Day: How Kindness and Language Learning go Hand in Hand

Learning about a country’s culture is often the most interesting element of studying a foreign language. It is so much easier to learn when you can understand what makes a country tick - and communicate more easily with its people. Luckily for [learners of British English](https://www.tandem.net/learn-english-online), the culture of the United Kingdom is well known across the world. This is in part thanks to global hit TV shows and films like Downton Abbey and Harry Potter, musicians like The Beatles and Adele and public figures like Queen Elizabeth II or Winston Churchill. All these cultural legends have given way to a certain image, or stereotype, of the British.

Some of these stereotypes are very much true. Others less so! We decided to ask the resident Brits at Tandem about some of the most popular stereotypes about British people, and separate the fact from the fiction!

__The Tandem app isn’t just about language exchange, it’s also about cultural exchange and fostering meaningful conversations with people from all over the world. Break down barriers and celebrate diversity by [downloading the app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u)now!__

## Brits love talking about the weather - FACT

“Brits love small talk and our favourite topic has to be the weather outside. Commenting on the rain or sunshine is always a great conversation starter for us. Great Britain is an island, and therefore blessed with an unpredictable maritime climate. This means there is always something to discuss! Snow in particular is a massive deal for us - a few inches can send the whole country into meltdown. Equally, we can’t cope with heat over 30 degrees, which usually only happens for a few days in the summer. Ultimately, much as we like to complain about it, we’re happiest with the mild, wet weather our country is most known for!”

![British Weather](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5caBdJ7FoSNFRBMwvAWWD3/6600510ee11baedda27767aedb764c22/anjana-menon-v3UZKbMaTGk-unsplash.jpg)

## It rains all the time - FICTION

“People are often surprised when they come to [London](https://www.tandem.net/partner/language-exchange-london) or [Edinburgh](https://www.tandem.net/partner/language-exchange-edinburgh) and it’s sunny! It can sometimes feel like it rains all the time, but actually we receive average rainfall when compared with the rest of Europe."

## Brits love to drink tea - FACT

“Ooooh, put the kettle on, will you? Tea is definitely a key part of British culture. Making tea for other people is the ultimate form of British hospitality. People from abroad tend to think we only drink the finest tea leaves from teapots, served in a beautiful cup and saucer. In reality, we buy bog-standard tea-bags by the kilo and make constant mugs of it throughout the day. It may not be posh, but it’s the quickest way to make a brew! And since you asked, we ALWAYS add a dash of milk to our black tea (no lemon, are you mad??)”

## Brits are obsessed with The Royal Family - FICTION

“Most British people are proud of their Queen - but it isn’t true that we ALL love the royal family. There are so many royals knocking about and most of them don’t seem to do much! It’s another thing we tend to complain about. That said, Princess Catherine has to be one of the most glamourous Brits alive, so we are secretly very happy about that.”

## Brits love queuing - FACT

"Why the rest of the world seems to not be able to queue as well as us remains a great mystery. Seriously. Is it really that hard?????”

## Brits have bad teeth - FICTION

“Whoa, these stereotypes are harsh. Where did this one come from? We do actually have very good dentists in the UK. I don’t think our teeth are worse than anyone else's, to be honest!"

## Brits have a British accent - FICTION

“I am still a bit confused about what people mean by a British accent. Perhaps the southern English accent is most commonly heard abroad, but most people in the UK simply don’t speak like this! Though we are a small island, there are so many different accents in the UK and we are immensely proud of this. You can usually tell a lot about a person’s background just by listening to their voice. And be warned… complimenting someone from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland on their “English” accent is NEVER going to go down well!”

## Brits are super polite - FACT

![british-polite](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/el2vvMauCfhdJQHYU3q1T/b4b841c7bd4cbcf316b780e47ded91c1/politebest.jpg)

“British people don’t like to be overtly rude, that’s true. We say “sorry”, “please” and “thank you” a lot. But saying polite words doesn’t necessarily mean that we mean it! I’m not sure if this counts as a fact if we don’t really mean it. For example, we often say “sorry” if someone does something to us - for example if someone bumps into you, you would might automatically apologise - but of course deep down you know you did nothing wrong and you’re seething with resentment. That’s just our way, I guess!”

## British food is terrible - FICTION

“I can see why people might come to the UK for the first time and be unimpressed by our “traditional” cuisine. Pies, pudding and fish & chips might seem stodgy and bland in comparison with other European food. HOWEVER - British cuisine has been greatly influenced by global tastes for hundred of years, and this is something I think we have turned to our advantage. For example, try a curry in the UK and you will not be disappointed! Plus we have some of the best restaurants and markets in the world. London, Manchester and Glasgow in particular have an incredible foodie scene. And you can't beat a British-style Sunday roast!”

## All Brits wear hats - FICTION

“Perhaps it’s because the Queen always wears a hat, but this is definitely not true! Brits stopped wearing hats on a daily basis in the 1960s, like everyone else.”

And that's all folks! Toodle-pip! Cheerio!

The culture of the UK is famous around the world. But how true are some classic British stereotypes? We find out, with the help of the Brits on Team Tandem

britain-england

British Stereotypes: Fact or Fiction?

One of the first things that might surprise you when you meet a Chinese native speaker for the first time is that their name might not sound very Chinese. Chinese speakers often choose a new name when they learn a different language, like English for example, because foreigners might have difficulty pronouncing their Chinese name and choosing a new name for yourself in a new language is seriously fun! 😉 We think it should also work the other way around and not let those [learning Chinese](https://www.tandem.net/learn-chinese-online) miss out on the fun of choosing a new name in a new language. So, we now present to you — how to choose a Chinese name!

__Speaking is the fastest way to fluency. But getting the chance to speak a language is a challenge when you’re not living in the country. What if there was a way to befriend a native speaker and practice any time, any place, totally for free? Enter the [Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d), where you can speak any language, anywhere.__

![hanson-lu- 8EFj6ISA08-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6D3Q78iXfSsifEwC0MtVDc/965dff2dc7c1b0e22ede356e40f62133/hanson-lu-_8EFj6ISA08-unsplash.jpg)

## Chinese names vs names in other languages

Chinese names differ because the the family surname is placed before the first name. It’s not difficult to guess why: Chinese people put great value in family. When greeting someone for the first time, it is always more polite to call them by their family name with “先生”(xiān shēng, sir) or “女士” (nǚ shì ,madam) attached after. It is disrespectful to call people older than you (especially your parents or relatives) by their first name in China! 

Another difference between Chinese and English names is that Chinese names tend to be more unique. In England, it is quite normal to know several people called Tom, or Jessica, or Josh. However, the Chinese language has approximately 80,000 characters, and each Chinese name usually contains 2 or 3, occasionally 4 characters. This means there are a HUGE number of potential combinations. This means it is rare—but not impossible, since some names can become quite trendy during a certain period of time–for you to know more than three people with exactly the same Chinese name. 

Chinese names are also interesting because parents use them to express their expectations and wishes for their children. It may be hard for non-Chinese speakers to understand why a person may want to call him or herself the name of a fruit, flower, or plant; but it is quite common in China, as people tend to associate those items with good qualities. For example, bamboo, or 竹 (zhú), is considered a symbol of integrity and tenacity. It therefore makes a lot of sense for Chinese people to use this word to name their kids!

## The benefits of a Chinese name

Not all of your Chinese friends will pronounce your name in your native language correctly, or even remember it easily. Remember how difficult it was to remember actual Chinese names when you first started learning? It goes both ways, too. Having a Chinese name definitely makes your Chinese friends remember you better. It also means they are far more willing to talk to you as they see the effort you are making to study and fit in Chinese culture. 

A Chinese name will make it easier for you to introduce yourself to new Chinese friends or language partners as well. Furthermore, Chinese people attach a lot of importance to their names. As mentioned, when Chinese parents name their children, they want to express their expectations and hopes through the name. When it comes to people from other countries who may also want a Chinese name, the name is a way to show what kind of person they want to be or what kind of thing they value most. Therefore, having a Chinese name that expresses your personality is also a good way for others, especially your Chinese friends, to know more about you right from the start!

![tea-1283900 1280](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1RBKFWQqaCvRpB7mgALlt6/c1a734ab55cefa880a3af914d15c6715/tea-1283900_1280.jpg)

Ready to get started? Here's our ultimate guide to choosing the perfect Chinese name!

### Find the right surname

Chinese people usually have a surname containing one character, so this will be the best option for you. Two-character surnames are very rare: for example, 欧阳(ōu yáng), 慕容(mù róng), and 诸葛(zhū gě) are popular surnames of characters from Chinese novels. There is a piece of literature called 百家姓bǎi jiā xìng (A Hundred Family Surnames), in which you can find yourself a native Chinese surname. When picking a surname, the thing to focus on is how it sounds, as surnames don’t usually have much meaning attached to them. 

### Similar pronunciation isn't everything

Pronunciation should be important but you should avoid a direct translation from your birth name. This means you have to avoid having an obvious foreigner name like Mary-玛 丽 (mǎ lì) or John-约翰(yuē hàn) – you don’t want that! 

### Think twice before naming yourself “Bruce Lee”

Avoid directly using the name of a celebrity or some famous movie/cartoon characters, even if you think your Chinese friends won’t know who you are. Imagine if you met a Chinese person called Michael Jackson or Britney Spears. In other words – no Jackie Chans or Bruce Lees, please! 

### Look to Chinese literary tradition

If you are an intermediate Chinese speaker, try to use the characters from [Chinese poems or literature](https://www.tandem.net/best-books-for-understanding-china), and make sure it has a good meaning by looking this up in the dictionary, or asking a native speaker to check it for you. This is actually how a lot of Chinese parents choose names for their kids.

![paulo-evangelista-onVoZ8o0K-U-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/42kC0yrQfxH38N0PIArbZu/a2ddc99bb005fc4536bbc714b20c4d18/paulo-evangelista-onVoZ8o0K-U-unsplash.jpg)

### Avoid names that are too popular

Don’t name yourself with any frequently used Chinese names, even if they are easily remembered or with good meaning. You want to stand out, remember! For example, there are many who are named 王艳(wáng yàn) and 李明 (lǐ míng) and should be avoided. 王 and 李 themselves are “big” surnames in China, meaning that a lot of people are named Wang or Li. Though 艳(yàn, bright-colored) and 明(míng, explained below) are good words, too many Chinese people are using these kind of names at the moment, so it’s best to avoid them. Even though we have countless Chinese characters and combinations to offer, most Chinese people have met one or two “王艳”(wáng yàn) or “李明” (lǐ míng) in their lives. These kinds of names will not help you stand out! 

### Get help from your native friends

This is crucial! Ask native speakers for advice and let different people check it again and again before you decide on your new name. Make sure it doesn’t sound, look, or mean something bad, but also check that it looks and sounds native – you want to be proud of your new name! 

### Remember your backstory

Make sure you remember how to explain your name to others. One Chinese character may have more than 5 meanings, so it might not be obvious from the beginning. For example, 明(míng), which is frequently used in Chinese names, may be explained as “bright” , “clear”, “intelligent”, or even something else. Even if you show your Chinese name to Chinese people, without any explanation, they may not completely understand its meaning. To put it positively, having an explanation ready for your chosen Chinese name is a great conversation starter when meeting new people! 

There! It’s as simple as that! Once you’ve found the perfect Chinese name, you’ll be able to use it whenever you are travelling in C[hinese-speaking countries](https://www.tandem.net/partner/china) and when you chat with your Chinese friends. Having a Chinese name is a crucial part of your Chinese language journey – start [practicing Chinese](https://www.tandem.net/practice-speaking-chinese) with Tandem today!

If you want to learn Chinese, you'll need to find a Chinese name to use! In our latest blog post, we look at how to find the perfect one.

china

How to Choose Your Very Own Chinese Name

__DISCLAIMER:__ we do accept that if you are not a Game of Thrones fan, this post might be a bit boring… we instead direct you to our [other blog posts](https://www.tandem.net/blog/) which might be more of interest :). Apologies as always, your faithful Tandem blog team.

Game of Thrones, HBO’s epic fantasy series based on the books by George R. R. Martin, hit our screens again this month. All pretty exciting for those of us who are big fans. But did you know you can also learn Game of Thrones languages on Tandem?

![giphy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5AoNnP2n2TZWflJ9FiF49i/0112da9d827d27581c000dee8cf8662d/giphy.gif)

The languages we have on the app are **High Valyrian**…

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cze5A4iyQGk" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

... and **Dothraki**.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8VyxspLdQBs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Both are **constructed** languages - meaning not grown organically through culture and society, but rather constructed artificially and intentionally. In this case, both languages were created by David Petersen for the show. Despite their artificial nature, both languages sport a devoted fan following. 

You can indeed learn Dothraki and High Valyrian like any other language - they both have a large vocabulary and a whole grammar system to ensure eloquent communication. And they are not the only constructed languages like this out there. A famous example of an older, even more developed constructed language is Klingon, from Star Trek (also available on Tandem, if you’re interested). 

<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/11clOWGCHzWG7C" width="480" height="270" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/11clOWGCHzWG7C">via GIPHY</a></p>

So… what if you do actually want to learn Dothraki or Valyrian? Of course, the ideal scenario would be to have an actual language exchange with a Dothraki warrior or a nobleman from Essos for Valyrian. We hope you find one on Tandem… but if you need a head start, here are a few key phrases for any occasion:

![Dothraki2.jpg](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1uErkFfnnbp2iUmeiBsTth/d9e057d46369788a891bb5e8506a9776/Dothraki2.jpg)

**“Hash yer dothrae chek?”** - How are you? (Or, literally, did you ride well today?)

**“Anha dothrak chek asshekh”** - I feel good today (Or, literally, I rode well today)

**“Asshekhqoyi vezhvena!”** - Happy birthday! (Or, literally, great day of blood)

**“Shekh ma shieraki anni”** - My sun and stars (from a woman, to her man)

**“Jalan atthirari anni”** - The moon of my life (from a man, to his woman)

**“Me nem nesa”** - It is known

**“Yer zheanae (sekke)”** - You’re (very) beautiful

**“Anha vazhak yeraan thirat”** - I will let you live (not likely in Game of Thrones, let’s be honest)

*Nerdy grammar note: there are three different verbs for “to kill” in Dothraki:* **addrivat, drozhat** *and* **ogat.**

![valyrian.jpg](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/2dQNr80oDosw614wZlnxni/5ea4d10d3b4600a1bc6d1f7d7b9a3e57/valyrian.jpg)

**“Rytsas!”** - Hello!

**“Skoriot ñuhyz zaldrīzesse ilzi?”** - Where are my dragons?

**“Skoros morghot vestri? Tubī daor”** - What do we say to death? Not today

**“Bantis zōbrie issa se ossȳngnoti lēdys”** - The night is dark and full of terrors

**“Ao ynoma dīnilūks?”** - Will you marry me?

**“Kessa!”** - Yes!

**“Daor”** - No

**“Valar morghulis”** - All men must die

__Want to show off your new Valyrian and Dothraki skills? [Download Tandem](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) for iOS and Android today!__

Want to learn how to speak the languages from Game of Thrones? We cover the key phrases in both Dothraki and High Valyrian so you can practice on Tandem. 

Game-of-Thrones

/dothraki-valyrian-game-of-thrones/

How to Speak Dothraki and High Valyrian from Game of Thrones

**Plenty of jobs are flexible enough to take with you while traveling – which means you can plonk yourself by the pool and earn some cash in your spare time! In this guest post from our friends at [Save the Student](http://www.savethestudent.org), we find out how you can support yourself while on the road.**

Unlike looking for part-time work locally, there are fewer language and time barriers to being a digital nomad: internet access, or ingenuity, is all you need to make money on the move!  A laptop or tablet are useful, too – but most of the ideas below can be run right from your phone (or even face-to-face). If your dream job involves escaping today's fast-paced environment, [traveling the world](https://www.tandem.net/most-useful-languages-world-travel) and deciding your own work schedule, then freelancing might be the way to go. Here are six freelance travel jobs that are bound to get you excited!

### 1. WRITER

Writing is the ultimate portable job, so if you’ve got the talent and the ideas, it’s worth a look. Pitch yourself to magazines and newspapers at home and at your destination – if you’ve got published work, send them links! Mention any language skills) you have, too: the more languages you’re fluent in, the more clients you can write for. Try:

*   Travel websites and travel guides
*   In-flight magazines
*   City guides and apps

Don’t just wait for the offers to roll in – keep an eye out for article ideas, places to visit, and people to interview. If you can’t sell your articles straight away, you could always create a blog or publish your own eBook on the go instead.

![rsz fotografierende-jw3xbuelpkm-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/7B8pTUPrgFxE5XSjr5ZWtL/f2128b6b2033d2a693bc632c7cfc1312/rsz_fotografierende-jw3xbuelpkm-unsplash.jpg)

### 2. PHOTOGRAPHER

You’ll probably snap a ridiculous number of photos while you’re away – and that’s before all the selfies. Some of them could make you money! There’s a massive demand for ‘stock shots’ – images that companies, newspapers, and advertisers might buy to use in their content and campaigns. The simplest way to sell your snaps is to upload them to a stock library: try EyeEm, Alamy or PicFair. You could also upload to print-on-demand sites to sell your iconic images as bags, bibs, scarves, and posters – take a look at Zazzle or Redbubble – or make and sell your own photo book. Posh!

![alif-ngoylung-jg-6ARMiaPM-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/47vPXaxsooM8ySRK2v20PE/d13e2998e84bd7757bb1a2cc60d8f641/alif-ngoylung-jg-6ARMiaPM-unsplash.jpg)

### 3. VLOGGER

If you’ve ever fancied video blogging or making a movie, globe-trotting is your ticket to ride! Whether you take a smartphone or pack a proper camera, make the most of your kit and your experiences:

*   Upload reviews and recommendations, or live stream your night out
*   Capture everyday life or share language hints
*   Make a montage of your best shots and add a soundtrack over the top
*   Compile top tens: best bits, worst bits, quirky finds, and travel hacks

Traveling is a great way to get interesting content and increase your followers on social media – once you get enough fans you could make money from sponsorship, brand placement, and affiliate marketing. You can monetize your videos in the meantime by opting in to show adverts alongside on YouTube, for instance – or you could try to sell them directly to travel blogs and websites, or to stock libraries.

![julian-gentilezza-IWoHLg2-UQU-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6rWYh1hXOiu5Xgm8ejg7AG/e6fd5c7ccc32b0ff6781237cfab6a2d8/julian-gentilezza-IWoHLg2-UQU-unsplash.jpg)

### 4. TASKWORKER

Surveys can an easy way to build up small change or earn vouchers. This is also a great option if you want something more short term or to work from home. Prolific is said to be one of the better payers but, as with many survey sites, how often you’re eligible for studies can vary. Alternatively, there are several freelancer sites where you can pitch for projects across a vast array of skills and subjects, from tech support to voiceover work and everything in between: try Upwork or Fiverr.

![brooke-cagle--uHVRvDr7pg-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5N02UZ7Jcv5QuKVtCiH20z/3b9203e5eae157b9a6db3c9995f64824/brooke-cagle--uHVRvDr7pg-unsplash.jpg)

### 5. TOUR GUIDE

Once you’ve scouted out a location and soaked up its history, tour guiding is a way of putting your knowledge to use. It’s worth checking for any local regulations but, as an example, you don’t need qualifications or certificates to be a tour guide in the UK. So, do the research, advertise locally and on social media, and you could run your own walking tour. With permission, you could even lead tours inside galleries and museums (places where you’ll always find customers!). Don’t forget to tailor tours to niche interests – art, celebrities, or tours in other languages, for instance. If food’s your passion you can host culinary experiences, either by cooking for tourists, or hosting a restaurant evening or wine tasting tour: take a look at Vizeat to see how it works.

![florian-giorgio-h9A3IgONS7E-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/7GENBH0c8km6T16qm0Uvoz/c8710fd63a38eba7b8399ec23bb5ebcf/florian-giorgio-h9A3IgONS7E-unsplash.jpg)

### 6. TEACHER

Teaching comes with a bit more red tape, especially if you want to work with kids or teach an activity that needs insurance. Alternatively, there are tons of ways to [teach on the internet](https://www.tandem.net/tandem-tutors) with less hassle: think Skype lessons, video or blog subscriptions, eBooks and web chats. From language lessons to study skills and music tuition, if you’ve got a hobby, you can teach it!

![jose-aljovin-JZMdGltAHMo-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/jGG6F9KasZjKFVZWgj8Yf/7ef602c1594a4cb64b562b0c2d773a52/jose-aljovin-JZMdGltAHMo-unsplash.jpg)

It’s never been easier to find work on the go – but, wherever you end up, check local rules before you set up shop, and especially if there are any visa or residence restrictions on working at all (even as a freelancer). You may have to pay tax on the money you make: you’ll thank yourself for finding out and preparing, well in advance. Good luck, and happy traveling!

**Guest post by Ruth Bushi from [Save the Student](http://www.savethestudent.org/).**

Off on your travels? We look at the ways your language skills (and more) can earn you some money on the road, with help from Save the Student.

freelance

6 Freelance Jobs that are Perfect for Traveling

20 years ago, JK Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” was published for the first time. The book follows the main character, Harry Potter, as he completes his first year at a school for magic called Hogwarts, and has a series of adventures along the way with his friends Ron and Hermione. It was the first in a seven-part series that captivated the world and united readers old and young over their love for the books.

![harry-potter-1.jpg](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/2WUpW2tEiI97xorUbswPba/6ecb22f6de72dcd086582c58620a1be1/harry-potter-1.jpg)

Though Harry Potter was first published in [English](https://www.tandem.net/learn-english-online) and the story is set in the United Kingdom, the stories have always had international appeal and have been translated into many languages. According to Bloomsbury, the publishers of Harry Potter in the UK, the official number is 79 - though of course there are many more “unofficial” translations. 

Because the plot of Harry Potter takes place in a highly detailed magical world, translators were faced with translating all sorts of incredible words for animals, spells, and people - staying faithful to JK Rowling’s imaginative vision while also appealing to readers of their language. Many translators therefore were incredibly creative in helping weave the magical world in their own language, with some of the translators becoming famous in their own right for their interpretation. 

Any name changes of characters or places in foreign translations had to be approved by JK Rowling herself. As she herself loved languages (she studied French at university), she found this a very interesting and entertaining task!

__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://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d), we connect language learners to native speakers to help them speak any language, anywhere.__

![article-image-harry-potter.jpg](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3LpiJEoM92GmG5McHyLd5r/91361722e7900675f391d8eafecd7aff/article-image-harry-potter.jpg)

A couple of the strangest examples of translation trickery include:

*   Hagrid, who has a West-Country [English accent](https://www.tandem.net/how-to-master-american-accent) in the book, has a different regional accent related to the language the book is translated to
*   Tom Marvolo Riddle’s name is an anagram of “I am Lord Voldemort” in the English version, so his name is changed to allow an identical anagram in translated versions
*   In Dutch, Hermione Granger is called “Hermelien Griffel”. A griffel is a pen to use to write on slate, and a prize you can win for excelling at school in the Netherlands (so a very appropriate translation!)
*   Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, is named for an Old English word for “bumblebee”. Many translations use variations on bumblebee for their version

![harry-potter_small-1-3.png](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5hEl7ObZ2MhSH2b4d3ao4d/22e2a2adc653d924fb11c1dbccdbf7e3/harry-potter_small-1-3.png)

20 years ago, JK Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” was published for the first time. Today we are celebrating the seven-part series that captivated the world. 

/harry-potter-celebrating-20-years-magical-translation-around-world/

Harry Potter: Celebrating 20 years of Magical Translation Around the World

Travel has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. Where once we depended on travel agents and guidebooks, we now use the internet for everything regarding our trip - from booking plane tickets, to checking into hotel rooms, to finding the best place for that instagrammable cappuccino.

One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the importance of learning some of the local language before you go. [Research from the British Council](https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/languages-for-the-future-report-v3.pdf) suggests that being able to speak roughly 1,000 words of a foreign language can be enough to make you feel secure and confident. Yet for most people, just knowing some key phrases offers the opportunity to get more immersed in a different culture.

These phrases will usually **cover the basics**: helping you get out of difficulty, or to communicate the essentials to the locals. Even with the advent of the internet, learning these phrases is incredibly useful. In fact, the internet has made it much easier to do so. We learn the phrases through our smartphones, on apps, from blogs, even from our [own personal tutors](https://www.tandem.net/tandem-tutors/). We learn them at home, in planes, on trains, on boats; whenever and wherever is most convenient.

__The [Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) 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 now to connect with people all across the world!__

But what phrases matter most to travelers today? We were interested to find out, so asked the question to the keenest travelers we know - the community on Tandem.

The first thing we noticed from the results is that **technology has changed the way we communicate abroad**. Many phrasebook ‘classics’ have been rendered _totally_ useless by our modern travel habits; we also have many new phrases to reflect our changed requirements.

In short - no-one who goes to Spain on their holidays needs to ask where the phone box is anymore!

With this in mind, we decided to use our community’s feedback to create a new “phrasebook” that compares the new and the old - the ultimate list for any 21st century traveler...

**21st century phrases…**

*   What’s the Wi-Fi code?
*   I have an online booking for a room tonight
*   Do you accept contactless?
*   Can I charge my phone here?
*   Are selfie sticks allowed here? Where can I top up my phone?
*   Do you sell USB cables?
*   Do you offer online discount?
*   I read your reviews online, and…
*   I met my new friends via a [language exchange](https://www.tandem.net/language-exchange) app.

**And the phrases that are best kept in the 90s…**

*   Do you have any rooms available?
*   Do you accept traveler’s cheques?
*   Can I use the landline here?
*   I’d like to send a fax
*   Where can I get my photos developed?
*   Can you tell me the way to…?
*   Do you sell maps?
*   Could you take a photo of us?

There’s no doubt that today’s travelers have far greater access to technology - and it’s enhancing their experience abroad. Easy access to the local language can make all the difference between a good trip and a great trip. And we look forward to finding out which phrases the next generation of travelers will be learning. :)

Heading off on holiday? We round up the top phrases that any 21st century traveller should have learnt before they leave...

map-travel

9 Essential Phrases for the 21st Century Traveler

Knowing a second (or third or fourth) language is GREAT for your career - and that's a fact. Whether you study languages at university or in your own time, the ability to communicate with people from other cultures in their own language is an extremely valuable skill in the workplace. Yet often when you think about careers with languages, it can be difficult to think beyond the obvious ones - translators, interpreters, or foreign language teachers. These are very interesting and highly-skilled jobs, but there are many other professions where having a degree of fluency in a foreign language is a massive asset. We decided to think outside the obvious and track down some more interesting careers for the multi-lingual. Here are ten of the coolest language jobs out there!

__Looking for a way to boost your language skills quickly and effectively? Our [Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) 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!__

![study foreign languages](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/44GvmrHUFE9NjXoGDCc3YR/5bb95852680737ec4942f003d234da9d/people-woman-coffee-meeting.jpg)

### 1. Diplomat

Diplomats are appointed to manage international relations with one or more other countries or international organisations. An extremely important and prestigious job, it requires an enormous amount of cultural sensitivity and awareness. Language skills are key part of truly understanding another country and a great help in diplomatic missions. It's no surprise that many successful diplomats are also multi-linguists!

### 2. Human rights lawyer

If you specialise in international human rights, having a second language is a must. In fact, if you dream of working for the United Nations, you most likely will need three - both UN working languages (English and French) plus another relevant language, such as Spanish, Arabic or Mandarin. Not only does it mean you can communicate with colleagues and clients from other countries in their own language, but it also gives you a deeper access to the legal systems of other countries that you would not be able to get with your language alone.

### 3. Teacher

Aside from becoming a teacher of foreign languages, speaking another language fluently gives you the opportunity to teach another subject abroad. If you work at an international school, knowing several languages will mean you can communicate with some of your students in their native language, and it also makes you a more attractive candidate when applying for jobs. Even if you work in your own country, you would be surprised how often speaking another language is useful in the classroom!

### 4. Journalist

With the rise of the internet, it is more important than ever that publications are able to report from abroad and drive traffic across borders to reach new readers. Reporters and editors with skills in multiple languages are therefore invaluable in producing wide-reaching, well-researched content. It also opens doors into foreign reporting and travel to the most far-flung destinations.

### 5. Hotel Manager

Knowledge of foreign languages is essential in tourism, and the world’s most famous hotels always demand that their managers are multi-linguists. This glamorous role could take you to some of the most exclusive corners of the world!

### 6. Marketeer

As companies become more global, marketing departments increasingly need employees with the ability to communicate across borders. Many businesses are hedging their bets on high-growth regions such as India, Brazil or China, so the ability to market a product in Hindi, [Portuguese](https://www.tandem.net/learn-portuguese-online) or [Mandarin](https://www.tandem.net/learn-chinese-online) has become extremely useful.

### 7. Opera Singer

Many of the world’s most versatile singers are multi-lingual, due to having to sing operas in different languages. Most voice teachers or coaches would advise a budding opera singer to be fluent in at least one of the big three languages for opera - [French](https://www.tandem.net/learn-french-online), [German](https://www.tandem.net/learn-german-online) and [Italian](https://www.tandem.net/learn-italian-online).

### 8. Airline Services

What better way to flex your language skills than by helping people fly around the world? Airline services are international by nature, so knowing multiple languages can be really useful when communicating with colleagues or passengers. This is particularly crucial for pilots and flight attendants, who have the all-important task of communicating clearly and reassuringly with passengers to keep them safe. 

### 9. Publishing

While publishing is often a career that attracts those who excel in their native language skills, knowing a foreign language as well can be very advantageous. Launching a book in international markets requires good knowledge of the culture and landscape, something that is best achieved with language ability. 

### 10. Spy

You might laugh, but Britain’s MI6 stipulates that having foreign language skills is a great asset when applying for a job as an intelligence officer. For inspiration, Britain’s most famous (albeit fictional) spy, James Bond, is fluent in French, Italian, German and [Russian](https://www.tandem.net/learn-russian-online), is handy with Greek, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese, and has a degree in Oriental languages!

Having a second language is great for your career. But which jobs are particularly good for those with language skills? We take a look.

/10-incredible-careers-languages/

10 Incredible Careers With Languages

Even if you claim to not be able to [speak any Italian](https://www.tandem.net/practice-speaking-italian/), surely you will know this one: _bella/bello_, or beautiful in English. Why is it that everyone around the world knows this word in Italian? Because, of course, Italy is world-famous for beautiful things, particularly art. For many, [learning the Italian language](https://www.tandem.net/learn-italian-online/) is the key to understanding _la cultura italiana_ with all its very beautiful songs, paintings, literature and films. Here are seven Italian artists that will inspire you to get started!

__Speaking is the fastest way to fluency. But getting the chance to speak a language is a challenge when you’re not living in the country. What if there was a way to befriend a native speaker and practice any time, any place, totally for free? Enter the [Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d), where you can speak any language, anywhere.__

### Franco Battiato

Franco Battiato is a true Italian legend. _'Il Maestro'_ is not only a famous singer, but also a composer, film-maker and painter. He even tried to be a politician in Sicily until he insulted the president of the parliament - some of that Italian emozione in action. His lyrics sometimes are quite absurd and definitely worth learning Italian for.

### Cesare Pavese

Among many other great works, Cesare Pavese wrote 'La _Casa in Collina'_, or ‘The House on the Hill’, a masterpiece novella set during the First World War. His lush description of the Italian countryside during the war is an example of the Italian language at its most expressive.

![cesare pavese](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6y5XnOPLiwGLtZKMMPunYB/fc22eb79a6fd5337bd70574952192a12/Cesare_Pavese_1.jpg)

### Federico Fellini

The 24 films of legendary director Federico Fellini should be top of anyone’s list if they want to immerse themselves in Italian culture. _‘La Strada’_, _‘Le Notti di Cabiria’_ and _‘La Dolce Vita’_ are just a few of the best. Of course, you can watch them with subtitles, but in Italian the dialogue of these films really becomes poetry.

### Artemisia Gentileschi

Widely regarded as one of the best painters of the Baroque period, Artemisia Gentileschi was a trailblazer for women in art. She was the first women to be accepted Accademia di Arte del Disegno in Florence, and is still famed today for her ultra-realistic depictions of strong and suffering women from the Bible. Her most famous work, _'Giuditta che decapita Oloferne' _, is a violent image of a woman, Judith, beheading her oppressor, Holofernes.

![Artemisia Gentileschi](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/Zu8y4BCTOX8ynjWHgTWQI/06dc8ab863cf75c6587fe1f15c64de8e/Self-portrait_as_the_Allegory_of_Painting_La_Pittura_-_Artemisia_Gentileschi.jpg)

### Lucio Battisti

One of Italy’s most popular but elusive characters, Lucio Battisti is beloved for his emotional songs about the troubles of being a modern man. Though he was one of Italy’s premier singers from the 60s to the 90s, he never achieved the same recognition outside his home country, partly because his lyrics sound best in the original Italian!

### Roberto Benigni

_'La vita è bella', _which Roberto Benigni both directed and starred in, is the poignant story of a Jewish father who tries to protect his son from the truths of the concentration camp they are forced to live in during the Second World War. He does this by using his imagination and using the Italian language to make it all seem like a game. '_La vita è bella'_ is based on a true story and was critically acclaimed, with Benigni winning the Oscar for best actor for his performance.

### Michaelangelo

_‘Creazione di Adamo’_, Michelangelo’s most famous work forms part of the ceiling mural at the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City and is a must-see for any lover of beautiful things. You need to be inside the chapel to really appreciate how impressive it is. Painted in the 14th century, it is incredibly realistic and full of energy, particularly the gap between Adam and God’s fingers!

![michaelangelo creation of Adam](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6zqxlvFzADyEcya3I0HeRV/6fb49c1d126ded699b76abf3a24a2847/Michelangelo_-_Creation_of_Adam2.jpg)

Italy is world-famous for beautiful things, particularly art. Here we share seven artists who are sure to inspire you to learn Italian.

/artists-learn-italian/

7 Artists that will Inspire You to Learn Italian

Honesty Day is celebrated on April 30th in the United States to encourage honesty and straightforward communication in all levels of society. To help celebrate this day, we decided find out about different attitudes to honesty around the world by surveying a segment of the Tandem community. Here’s what we found out!

### The global honesty lowdown

Less than half (48%) of people surveyed consider themselves to be honest - the rest either tell a few lies or love telling lies!

### Public figure porkies

Politicians are considered the least trustworthy public figures globally, with 57% saying they are most likely to lie.

### Native vs second languages

Watch out on Tandem, because 23% of respondents think it is easier to lie in a second language than a native language!

### Locations for liars

According to the survey, the easiest place to tell a lie is on the phone...

### Honesty in the nursery

45% of respondents would be happy to lie to kids about Father Christmas - and most would also be happy to tell children that monsters, fairies and the Easter Bunny are real.

### Most popular lies

The most popular lying topic is how much exercise you do (27%)… closely followed by your dietary habits (23%) and your health to avoid work (23%).

### A survey we can trust...

Perhaps not - 10% said they told a lie while they were filling it in ;)

__The Tandem app isn’t just about [language exchange](https://www.tandem.net/language-exchange), it’s also about cultural exchange and fostering meaningful conversations with people from all over the world. Break down barriers and celebrate diversity by [downloading our Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) now!__

![tell a secret](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/7fXSOrE5nixRvg3oozEOi9/467b5baae6765fc6af14d23b274718be/london-scout-41030.jpg)

We also asked for some confessions from around the world - times when our community has been either brutally honest or a big fat liar. Here are the highlights...

### Times we were big fat liars...

_Anonymous, UK:_ “I told someone I could speak 6 languages. Unfortunately I was then asked to say a extremely long sentence [in Russian](https://www.tandem.net/learn-russian-online). I put it off for a good hour before actually attempting to make it up - then realising there was a Russian in the room who knew I was a liar!” 

_Anonymous, Brazil:_ “One time, I told my friend I couldn’t go to his party because my Grandpa had an accident. In fact… I was just being lazy!” 

_Anonymous, China:_ “I covered for my friend one time at university - he left school without the teacher’s permission, so I told the teacher that his mother was really ill.” 

_Anonymous, Estonia:_ “When I was 6, I made up a story about my imaginary success to my mother. I guess even then I wanted a more exciting life.” 

_Anonymous, Finland:_ “I once said to my friend that I loooooved her new hairstyle, when secretly I thought it was a bit manly. But to me, it’s more important that my friend feels confident in herself!” 

_Anonymous, Germany:_ “At university, I was a week behind with a paper. I emailed the professor asking if he had received the paper. He replied that he hadn’t (of course) and that the paper wouldn’t count. So I faked a “sent email” that I pretended to have sent a week ago! He never found out…” 

_Anonymous, Germany:_ “I once told someone that a good friend of mine was my girlfriend when I was drunk. I then had to “break up” with my fake girlfriend at some point. Awkward.” 

_Anonymous, Germany:_ “I invited 100 people to a house party, then my parents changed their mind and said only 30 could come. So I had to tell 70 people it wasn’t happening… because of the weather ;)” 

_Anonymous, Russia:_ “I used to work with children and I lied and told them I was 55 when in fact I was 20! Number 55 was written on my trousers and some of the kids actually believed me!” 

_Anonymous, South Korea:_ “I told my ex that he was so sexy. It was definitely the biggest lie I’ve ever said to someone.”

### … and times we were brutally honest

_Anonymous, Australia:_ “Yesterday, I told my friend that her breath stinks”. 

_Anonymous, Brazil:_ “My friend asked me if she was fat. I replied: “You’re very very fat and you have to do something about it!”” 

_Anonymous, UK:_“Sometimes people don’t like my response, but I’ll tell them the truth nonetheless. This happened when my friend bought an expensive jacket. It was horrible - and I let them know!” 

_Anonymous, USA:_“My boss asked me if I liked him. I honestly told him I did not!” 

_Anonymous, Italy:_ “I am often brutally honest when people make me angry - I lose my ability to sugar-coat it!” 

**Thank you everyone for your contributions - it was super interesting to read about attitudes to honesty around the world!** 

With Honesty Day celebrated on 30th April, we decided to look at honesty around the world. What differences would you expect?

secret honesty languages

/global-honesty-lowdown/

The Global Honesty Lowdown for Honesty Day

**Ever wondered the different Easter traditions around the world, in different countries and cultures? We asked the Tandem community and our international team for some interesting traditions from all corners of the world. Here are our top picks...**

## Ukraine

![How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-Ukrainian](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6t8UN4Q4LPjPDFXj8F1kDz/e099d4bd0b558a2664f89542366fa1e7/How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-Ukrainian.png)

Orthodox Easter is celebrated in [Ukraine](https://www.tandem.net/partner/ukraine) by decorating eggs with traditional folk designs. The most famous method is to draw patterns on the egg with wax, which then protects the covered areas from dye when it is applied, making colourful and elaborate images. Though the eggs are meant to represent the rebirth of man at Easter, they are also linked to superstitions and is thought to protect households from evil spirits, catastrophe, lightning and fires! The eggs are bumped against each other to see which is the strongest!

## United Kingdom

![How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-English](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6H3BR8nQenA3DJEAAbzEMc/06d6ada1b1de3a5a970517d691bbc873/How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-English.png)

Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday in the UK and many other English speaking countries - but the tasty treat has many strange traditions attached to it. Some say that buns baked on Good Friday will not go mouldy and, after some time has passed, can cure diseases. It was even once said that a hot cross bun could protect a ship against shipwreck, or a house against a fire!

## Georgia

![How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-Georgian](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/eAaVb1EK9kcRYxh8TBUit/c16e583d471bdd094bbcb6c8353cec3b/How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-Georgian.png)

Along with decorating and bumping eggs, in Georgia it is common to go to the cemetery where family members are buried on Easter Sunday and Monday. You put flowers on the graves of loved ones and drink wine and celebrate their life, often with elaborate toasts. Sometimes a glass of wine is even poured on the grave, symbolising a connection between this life and the next!

## Germany

![How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-German](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/K9KEiVmIo89Sh1CNJy33J/422d343c52acb148a73c2d987f14fce0/How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-German.png)

Easter egg hunts are popular across the world - but many people don't know that they actually originated in Germany. Some believe the event was started by Martin Luther, the famous German theologian from the 16th century. In today’s egg hunts in Germany, you are likely to be hunting for real hard-boiled eggs which are painted in bright colours. Once the eggs are all found, they can be eaten!

## Poland

![How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-Polish](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/4Gh9mxpCXjC1Unc5GzOd3o/6dcae770af4b1bf2b5f2533b70372078/How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-Polish.png)

In Central Europe, particularly Poland, but also in Slovakia, the [Czech Republic](https://www.tandem.net/partner/czech-republic) and Hungary, it is common to celebrate Easter week by getting wet! Boys throw water over girls they like on Easter Monday, and the girls are meant to get their own back on Easter Tuesday - though in practice everyone tends to get drenched on the Monday. There are different variations in different countries, but in some places this should be done in the early morning, when the victim is still in bed!

## Spain

![How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-Spanish](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1dYdieoAO78UOHRXSh2kH8/b45369f0c32c6b64b9c7782b0f2b1980/How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-Spanish.png)

On Holy Thursday in the Medieval town of Verges, Spain, the traditional "dansa de la mort" or "death dance" is performed. To reenact scenes from The Passion, everyone dresses in skeleton costumes and parades through the streets. The procession ends with frightening skeletons carrying boxes of ashes. The macabre dance begins at midnight and continues for three hours into the early morning.

## Australia

![How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-Australia](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/7gjYrmz4NFrdBfqWkTgqkQ/e53efaca8ee363687059afbb44e1fce2/How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-Australia.png)

You might have heard of the Easter bunny, who delivers chocolate eggs to children on the night of Easter Saturday, but in Australia you are more likely to hear about the Easter bilby! Bilbys are indigenous to Australia, unlike rabbits, which were brought over from Europe with the first fleet and are considered a pest. The Easter bilby is part of a campaign to protect Australia’s natural environment, and many chocolate manufacturers donate the proceeds from chocolate bilby sales at Easter to environmental charities.

## Norway

![How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-Norwegian](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/Rsdp4no9FwU2VxAybOxzz/26883043ebd88628fe435c258f65c201/How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-Norwegian.png)

Easter is such a popular time for [Norwegians](https://www.tandem.net/partner/norway) to read crime novels that publishers actually come out with special "Easter Thrillers", or "Paaskekrimmen" in Norwegian. The tradition is said to have started in 1923 when a book publisher promoted its new crime novel on the front pages of newspapers. The ads resembled news so much that people didn't know it was a publicity stunt!

## French

![How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-French](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3DNZwK1wGGd7WIubAco78U/9750f02b93aaa1509e940448e9d58dd6/How-to-say-Happy-Easter-in-French.png)

Every year on Easter Monday, a giant omelette is served up in the main square of Haux, a town in the south west of France. The giant omelet uses more than 4,500 eggs and feeds up to 1,000 people. The story goes, when Napoleon and his army were traveling through the south of France, they stopped in a small town and ate omelettes. Napoleon liked his so much that he ordered the townspeople to gather their eggs and make a giant omelette for his army the next day. 

**What Easter traditions do you have in your home country? Share your experiences with your Tandem partner and find out how Easter is celebrated across the world. [Download Tandem for iOS or Android](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) today.**

Ever wondered how Easter is celebrated around the world? In our latest blogpost, we explore weird and wonderful traditions from nine different countries.

/world-easter-traditions/

Easter Traditions from Around the World

Every language (like every culture) can be stereotyped, and [German](https://www.tandem.net/learn-german-online) is no exception. There are plenty of jokes about the language, many around the same theme: that German sounds aggressive, even when describing gentle concepts! This meme pretty much sums it up:

![German language meme](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/53DvojHzEmrYnvjELTowwJ/ea526b409584a7cf0661c809773dc001/so-my-in-laws-are-visiting-from-germany-45268.jpg)

We can't help but laugh when we see this meme, of which there are plenty of variations. The German language is good fodder for descriptive comedians too - Irish stand up Dylan Moran once said that “the German language sounds like a typewriter eating tinfoil being kicked down the stairs” (ouch.)

But I have to ask - is this stereotype totally fair? OK. Even I, a native German speaker and lover of the German language, can admit that sometimes German words can sound a little angry. But what many people don't know is that there are far far more beautiful words in German than harsh ones! Germany has a fantastic literary tradition which is best understood in the original language. Germany is really a land of poets, philosophers and thinkers - think of Hannah Arendt, Friedrich Nietzsche and Theodor Adorno. To express great ideas, of course you need a wonderfully expressive language!

It's time to give the beautiful German language the second chance it deserves. To start us off,  here are 11 German words that not only sound good but have a deep and philosophical meaning!
 
__Improving your language skills doesn’t have to be boring… Have fun with conversation exchange! Tandem is not only a language exchange [app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u), but it is also a community where our members feel empowered to speak any language, anywhere.__ 

![anja-schindler-vCNyOMNsWa8-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/qoSS1srnAOg4R60Utv5Cb/63297f6c1893a060b1bec98e69bf44f6/anja-schindler-vCNyOMNsWa8-unsplash.jpg)

## 1. __Zeitgeist__

Hey, German is so great that English speakers needed to import this word into their own language! It describes the prevalent spirit of an era. This word is so beautiful because it explains something in one word when you normally have to use a whole sentence.

## 2. __Fernweh__

This word is the opposite of homesickness - rather, it is the feeling of desiring a place you have never been to. It's perfect for when you want to get away and try something new!

### 3. __Wanderlust__

Wanderlust is often used in English too. It's similar to "Fernweh," but a little different - the desire to travel around, see new places and not stay in one place.

## 4. __Zweisamkeit__

Not only does this word sound really nice, but it expresses a feeling of closeness between two (zwei) people. The opposite is "Einsamkeit," or loneliness.

## 5. __Luftkuss__

"Ein Luftkuss" is the act of blowing someone a kiss through the air :)

## 6. __Freudentränen__

This is the noun we use when we have tears of joy!

## 7. __Frühlingsgefühle__

This is a great word used to describe a feeling of excitement for nice weather during the Spring, just as the sun is coming out, the trees are green and the flowers blossom.

![giphy](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/1Zf4Ax1Tmzyikmc3Coji0u/1546fbe93d1a02b436e4cbbd4bb3c662/giphy.gif)

## 8. __Verzehren__

This is a really versatile and funny German word. It can describe the process of eating, but it can also mean that you desire someone so much you almost want to eat them!

## 9. __Filigran__

When something is dainty and delicate, you can call it filigran. A ballerina dances "filigran" across the stage, a bird can fly filigran by moving its wings slowly and carefully.

## 10. __Augenblick__

A super short moment; a blink of an eye. Literally translated to English, it is 'eye-blink'.

## 11. __Geborgenheit__

Once this word was actually voted the second most beautiful in the German language, and it is considered impossible to translate! It is a feeling strongly associated with artists, often felt at intensely emotional moments, such as returning home at a long time, or holding someone you love close. It basically means to exist and feel intensely in the moment.

Are you convinced? Do you know any other beautiful German words? Or maybe you are more into [funny German words](https://www.tandem.net/funny-german-words-phrases)?

## Oh, One More Thing...

If this article wasn’t reason enough to start learning German, let us give you one more!

__[The Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u)__ is the best way to gain fluency in any language. With millions of members, Tandem is the largest global language learning community out there! Tandem lets you connect with native German speakers all over the world, and practice speaking German via text, voice notes, and video calling. Immerse yourself in the German language and culture, and speak your way to fluency, __for free!__

More of a traveler? Connect with native German speakers ahead of your trip by using the “search by city” Pro feature, or the “near me” Pro feature for when you are already there! Still getting your head around the German language? Use our in-app translation feature to help compose a message or translate an incoming one. Correct your Tandem partner's message or add a comment to help them learn and progress. Still not sure about German pronunciation? Simply tap on the message you want to hear and choose the “speak” option. Einfach!

Private lessons more your thing?

With Tandem Tutors, you can master the German language even quicker. Our Tutors are certified professionals who offer one-on-one lessons anytime, anywhere. With Tandem Tutors, it’s easy to find someone who matches your style and works around your schedule.

__[Download the Tandem app](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) and master the German language now!__ 

German gets a bad rep for sounding angry - but actually the language is full of incredibly beautiful words! Here are 11 that will change your opinion!

cornflower-germany

11 Beautiful German Words You Need in Your Life

**It's International Women’s Day! To celebrate in style, we’ve found out some of the world’s most legendary female polyglots from across the world, from antiquity to today.**

## Cleopatra

Queen Cleopatra VII (69-30 BC) could speak nine languages, according to Plutarch, and rarely needed an interpreter for diplomatic purposes. Her native language was Greek but she was feted for also speaking the Egyptian language perfectly - apparently a rare accolade for Egyptian rulers of the time.

![Queen-cleopatra.jpg](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/01rIRNoFc8PSFKRYZ8VUPz/d713df550f8ada5e13a3b04e6fac4ceb/Queen-cleopatra.jpg)

## Queen Elizabeth I

The current Queen Elizabeth speaks [fluent French,](https://www.tandem.net/learn-french-online/) but the first Queen Elizabeth of England (1533-1603) was said to speak ten languages. She was highly skilled in French, Latin and Italian, but could also converse in Spanish, Dutch, Latin, Welsh, Cornish, Scottish and Irish.

![Darnley_stage_3_smaller.jpg](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/4iLq5ApPMhQtE7nJWMAhLz/43efb4e63eac24e8d5ec61c8b601e83c/Darnley_stage_3_smaller.jpg)

## Kató Lomb

Noted Hungarian translator Kató Lomb (1909-2003) was one of the world’s first simultaneous interpreters and had a degree of fluency in seventeen languages. She could simultaneously [translate Russian](https://www.tandem.net/learn-russian-online/), German, English and French, and was completely fluent in Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Polish. In case that wasn’t enough, she could also read Swedish, Norwegian, Romanian, Portuguese, Dutch, Bulgarian and Czech.

## Audrey Hepburn

The actress (1929-1993), most famous for her role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, grew up speaking Dutch and French with her Belgian mother, and went on to become fluent in four more languages - English, Italian, German and Spanish. She learnt Spanish later in her life while doing humanitarian work as a Goodwill ambassador for UNICEF.

![Audrey_Hepburn_1956_small.jpg](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/Penl8ZnGvftSDkHk90op4/0a3e8f85767598d4bf8448dc6c9948e1/Audrey_Hepburn_1956_small.jpg)

## Queen Silvia of Sweden

Born to a Brazilian mother and German father, Queen Silvia of Sweden can speak six languages fluently - [Portuguese](https://www.tandem.net/learn-portuguese-online), German, Swedish, French, Spanish and English. She also knows Swedish Sign Language well, the national language used by the deaf community in Sweden.

## Asin

Bollywood star Asin’s mother tongue is Malayalam, the official language of her home state Kerala in India, but she can speak eight other languages. She is completely fluent in Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit, English, Hindi and French, and can also speak a bit of Italian and Marathi.

## Karen Mok

Super-famous Chinese actress and singer Karen Mok speaks six languages. Born in Hong Kong, she is fluent in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Italian, [German](https://www.tandem.net/learn-german-online) and French. She studied Italian Literature at university and married her German-born husband in Florence in 2011. 

![karen-mok-horizontal.jpg](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/11fnRcT4paFmuoZJULCBd7/39ee4f220336da20dce4f2ac50550667/karen-mok-horizontal.jpg)

If you are looking for modern polyglots, check out our blogpost with amazing [female language bloggers](https://www.tandem.net/language-bloggers-international-womens-day).

**As a side note, our Tandem app 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! [Download](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) Tandem today! 🙂**

To celebrate International Women's Day in style, here are some of the world’s most legendary female polyglots from across the world.

/awesome-female-polyglots/

Legendary Women Polyglots Throughout History

Immersion. Completely surrounding yourself in a language is THE fastest way to learn any language. The best way to do this is, naturally, by traveling to the native country, with the focus of total cultural immersion and advancing your language skillset. Each year, students from across the world head off on a year abroad to a completely foreign country to do exactly that. Having a [study abroad experience](https://www.tandem.net/advice-for-work-or-study-abroad-programs) broadens learning opportunities, while also helping to improve upon your target language proficiency.

But how can you make sure you make the most of this amazing experience? Here are some top tips from a student fresh from a year abroad in Italy!

![italy italian car](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/4cPp5iyWip95ssjFnCaA4j/26d1a5e1ca76772d5c3dbfa9c1f771c2/italy_italian_car.jpg)

As I write this blog post, I’m listening to my favorite Italian musician. A year ago, I didn’t even know his name, but now, I can understand everything he is singing about! Like many students, I had the chance to have a year abroad and improve my Italian last year. Because of this study abroad program, I realized how important it is to get out of your comfort zone, experience what the world's vibrant cities have to offer and to become familiar with their local culture and language. However, when you spend your time with other international students, you can sometimes end up choosing the easiest way to communicate. For me, this was [speaking English](https://www.tandem.net/practice-speaking-english), rather than [speaking Italian](https://www.tandem.net/practice-speaking-italian)! 

At the beginning of the academic year, I felt frustrated and embarrassed by my level of Italian. Not knowing how to pronounce certain words or resorting to my ‘comfort language’ were daily obstacles.

Diving into the language during your year abroad can be difficult, but it is far from impossible, and very rewarding. Here are my seven tips on how to get yourself completely immersed in your chosen language as quickly as possible!

## 1. Make friends before you go

You should probably start planning to learn the language some time before you leave for your adventure. But let’s be frank - just learning vocabulary is pretty boring and won’t get you very excited about your trip. Instead, try preparing by practicing with a native speaker. A Tandem partner is a great option for doing this remotely. You can ask them everything you want to know about the country and culture and get the best recommendations before you even arrive!

## 2. Live with [native speakers](https://www.tandem.net/native-speakers-for-language-exchange)

It is definitely not easy to find an apartment with locals, but it’s worth it if you want to learn the local language! In the beginning, you will probably feel lost and exhausted from listening to another language the whole time, but you’ll get used to it. My advice: don’t start looking for an apartment until you’re there. If you look online, you will often only find apartments with internationals. When you are there, you will find bulletins posts by locals in the university and even on the street.

![pexels-photo-219041.jpg](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/fRTyCZ5CfpmR6CFl6jpqm/413faea3a879c7afdedcfd8450714eff/pexels-photo-219041.jpg)

## 3. Set yourself a language challenge every day

For example: learn five new words and phrases, or talk to a stranger on the street, or go to a bar where nobody speaks English and have a conversation. A little challenge every day makes you feel more confident and helps you to lose your fear of speaking.

## 4. Do regular cultural trips

Cinemas and theaters are great places to experience something together with your new friends. Search for a cinema where they show movies with subtitles, rather than watching dubbed in a language you already know. Watching and listening at the same time are excellent practice when you’re learning a language.

## 5. Meet your tandem partner in real life

Always talking on the Tandem app and getting along really well? You will probably also have fun when you hang out in person! Meet your Tandem partner and explore the most beautiful spots in the city together, while also practicing and speaking the language.

![aidan-meyer-129873.jpg](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/2jTAnIkQVSIc5yBeVLab1W/553ff84f8e9fc71ab9ade5a1179acb09/aidan-meyer-129873.jpg)

## 6. Find a local hobby

Acting in the theater, listening to music or doing sports are all great for improving your language skills. Do everything you like to do in your home country, just in another language!

## 7. Keep a diary

You will experience a lot during your year abroad and you want to keep hold of the memories after returning home. So, write a diary in the foreign language to reflect on the time you’ve had. This also forces you to use the language skills you have already learned each day.

### Tandem's Tip

Whether it's spending a semester abroad or even going on a gap year, remember to say yes to every opportunity that presents itself to you. If there are certain activities or programs offered at your University abroad that aren't available at home, take the plunge and get involved! You will thank yourself later.

**Are you heading off on a year abroad? Make sure you practice your language skills on Tandem before you go. [Download] (https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) the Tandem app now!**

Heading off on a year abroad? It can sometimes be harder to speak the target language than you might expect. Dive into language learning with our top tips!

/year-abroad-language-tips/

7 Language Tips for Your Year Abroad

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and there's no better way to celebrate than by watching a romantic film! We asked members of the Tandem team in Berlin to recommend some romantic movies that are popular in their native languages. Here are our top picks for [French](https://www.tandem.net/learn-french-online), [English](https://www.tandem.net/learn-english-online), [Spanish](https://www.tandem.net/learn-spanish-online), Georgian, Dutch, [Chinese](https://www.tandem.net/learn-chinese-online) and [Germa](https://www.tandem.net/learn-german-online)n!

__Here at Tandem, we believe that the best way to learn a language is to actually speak it! That’s why we’ve developed an awesome [app](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) that allows members to connect with native speakers and practice 150+ languages. It’s not just about learning from each other, it’s also about having fun while practicing languages together.__

##### French - Le fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain (Amélie)

**Melissa:** “_Amélie_ is a true French classic! Set in Montmartre, it is a beautiful, whimsical depiction of contemporary Parisian life. The main character, Amelie, decides to live life doing good things for other people - something which gets her into trouble but also helps her fall in love. _Amélie_ is a bit of a cliché… but still a great film with an enchanting soundtrack.”

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HUECWi5pX7o" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

##### English - Brief Encounter

**Susanna:** “_Brief Encounter_ is the quintessential tale of doomed romance. Married woman meets married man at a train station in England and what follows is an hour and a half of pure angst as they reflect on their lives and fall in love. It is in black and white, has ridiculous background music from Rachmaninoff, and manages to be tense and dramatic without anything actually happening. Watch with subtitles, as the characters have posh [English accents](https://www.tandem.net/how-to-master-american-accent) that are hard to understand (even for Brits)!”

##### Spanish - Ocho Apellidos Vascos (The Spanish Affair)

**Carolina:** “_Ocho apellidos vascos_ is a great Spanish romantic comedy that shows the cultural differences between Spanish regions through its main characters: a man from Sevilla who tries to win the heart of a Basque girl. The Sevillian guy then tries to act Basque and it leads to a lot of hilarity. It’s not a serious romance film, but it’s really sweet and funny.”

##### Georgian - მხიარული რომანი (Merry Romance

**Sergo:** “_Merry Romance_ features one of the greatest Georgian comedians, Ipolite Khvichia, and is about love between a countryman and an uptown girl. Though it was made in 1972, it is still really popular in Georgia, and is famous for a scene that shows delicious Georgian cuisine in all its glory!”

##### Dutch - Alles is Liefde (Love is all)

**Anne:** “You could say _Alles is Liefde_ is the Dutch version of [Love Actually](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdzH6a-XEGM). It’s very cheesy and features lots of famous Dutch actors in intertwining storylines. Basically, Sinterklaas drops dead, husbands and wives cheat on each other, and everyone else searches for The One. Many Dutch people can still recite cringeworthy lines from this movie, like “Jij ongelofelijk lekkere vrouw” (you extremely delicious woman) and “Goedheiligman m’n HOL” (holy man my ass). A real Dutch classic.”

##### Chinese - 我的少女時代 (Our Times)

**Sabrina:** “We all like to reminisce about our school days as an escape from the pressures of adult life. This is shown perfectly in _Our Times_, which is set in a Taiwanese high school. The movie is a nostalgic flashback to the 90s, with the characters wearing classic school uniform. It is about typical young Chinese romance - even if they could not be together forever, they always look back fondly on their first love. To quote a famous line from the movie: “Thank you for being part of my youth!”

##### German - Lola Rennt (Run Lola Run)

**Tobias:** “_Lola Rennt_ isn’t a romantic movie per se, but the main character goes through a bunch of ridiculous stuff just because she loves her guy. The German language does not lend itself easily to beautiful and romantic talk, so instead we like to show our love through our actions… in this sense, _Lola Rennt_ is the perfect German romantic movie!"

**Thanks Melissa, Susanna, Carolina, Sergo, Anne, Sabrina, and Tobias for your recommendations!**

A romantic film is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day. Here are 7 foreign language recommendations from the Tandem team.

/romantic-movies-7-languages/

Tandem Recommends... Romantic Movies in 7 Languages

**1. Joy, **when someone actually understands you speaking a foreign language for the first time.

**2. Horror, **when you realise you have been saying the wrong word for AGES and none of your friends corrected you. 

How could they betray your trust like that?

**3.** **Motivation****, **when you get in a great groove with your daily practice. 

**4. Confusion,** when there’s a piece of grammar that doesn’t even exist in your native language yet is completely essential in your new language.

Cases? Gendered nouns? The future perfect continuous? What is this sorcery?

**5. Relief,** when you are so close to saying the wrong word but somehow, against all the odds, you pronounce it correctly.

**6. Dismay,** when you ask someone a question perfectly and they come back with a completely incomprehensible reply.

**7. Excitement,** when you’re sitting with a bunch of native speakers talking very quickly and YOU ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT’S GOING ON.

**8. Exhaustion,** when just the mention of another grammar rule pushes you to the brink of breakdown.

**9. Satisfaction,** when you [use slang](https://www.tandem.net/british-slang-words) perfectly and all your new friends think you are pretty much the coolest. 

**10. Pride, **because no matter where you’re at in your language journey, it always feels great to look back and see how much you have achieved! 

Let's face it - learning a language is tough, and we all need friends to help us along the way! On Tandem, you can meet language learners across the world and speak any language - click here to [download the app for iOS and Android](https://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d). 

Language learning is emotional, but we can all relate to the struggle. Here are the top 10 emotions we've all experienced when learning a new language!

/10-emotions-learning-new-language/

10 Emotions We Have All Had When Learning a New Language

Ever wondered how people around the world celebrate the festive season? We asked our international team in Berlin for some interesting traditions about Christmas and New Year around the world. Here are 10 Christmas traditions from around the world that you probably didn’t know!

__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://app.adjust.com/ud8gq6d) now to connect with people all across the world!__

**1. In Venezuela**, people listen to special music called “Gaita” which is only played in December. It is played on several instruments including the 'cuatro' (a four stringed guitar), the 'tambora' and the 'furro' (types of Venezuelan drums), and the 'charrasca' (a ribbed tube that you play with a stick), with lyrics in Spanish. Here's a [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rzwAu8wOu8) to listen to some popular Gaitas!

**2. In the Netherlands,** “Sinterklaas” comes down the chimney on the 5th December, leaving presents and a short poem. As people get older, the poems become ruder!

**3. In Taiwan**, New Year is celebrated on the first of January in the Chinese ([lunar](https://www.tandem.net/preparations-lunar-new-year)) calendar. Children receive red envelopes with money inside and families gather for a large meal usually featuring special hotpot and dumplings. The hotpot is said to give a feeling of togetherness, as everyone eats from the same huge pot.

![Stocksy_txpd4772772AAr000_Medium_658731 .jpg](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/4XlPiK1ogUbvrQoU82u1Ok/9d4687626d862e47b84321146df1b84d/Stocksy_txpd4772772AAr000_Medium_658731-.jpg)

**4. In the United Kingdom**, a roast dinner with turkey is the highlight of the Christmas festivities. No British Christmas feast is complete without crackers - cardboard tubes wrapped in colourful paper. The tubes contain a small gift, a paper hat and a very bad joke, usually an English language pun.

**5. In Germany**, the traditional Christmas drink is warm spiced wine. “Glühwein”, as it is called in the German language, is best enjoyed outside in the cold at one of the country’s many [Christmas markets](https://www.tandem.net/15-german-christmas-market-words). The more adventurous drinkers enjoy a "Feuerzangenbowle" - where a rum-soaked sugar lump is set on fire so the caramelised sugar drips into a bowl of Gluhwein below!

**6. In Colombia**, people celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season on the 7th December, and in some cities there are parades to celebrate local myths and legends from Colombian folklore. These can include traditions such as the "mother of the forest" ("madremonte" in Colombian Spanish), "one foot" ("la patasola"), "the headless priest" ("el cura sin cabeza"), and many others.

**7. In Ukraine**, Різдво (Rizdvo) is celebrated with 12 different dishes and carolling in the local neighbourhood. Everyone, young and old, takes part: check out this video of the Ukrainian president getting involved!

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JlwLvHFEN-8" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

**8. In Georgia**, there are two new years: a ‘new’ new year on 1st January and an ‘old’ new year on 14th January. Old new year is not as big as new new year, but people like the excuse to celebrate anyway! Whatever happens on 15th January is said to set your destiny for the coming year... 

**9. In Mauritius**, people like to watch fireworks from the beach or from their rooftops on New Years Eve. As there are so many people putting on displays, it often becomes a competition between who has the loudest fireworks!

**10. In Vietnam**, Christian communities put up special decorations which everyone can enjoy at Christmas time. As the weather is warm, friends usually go for long walks in these scenic areas then enjoy a coffee together.

![annie-spratt-QKo-op gR9I-unsplash (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5leoIAINYa4F39q47Uy1an/06fc6ef4a632c4d426047a9d7bb7a957/annie-spratt-QKo-op_gR9I-unsplash__1_.jpg)


Ever wondered how people around the world celebrate the festive season? Here are 10 things you probably didn't know.

christmas-tree

10 Christmas Traditions from Around the World

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