Sprachtandem.ch brings together people who want to learn languages with each other. This takes mutual respect and care when getting to know new people. Here you can find out what rules apply to language exchanges and what to do if something feels uncomfortable or suspicious.
Keep language learning at the heart of your exchange
A good language exchange starts with a shared learning goal. In your first message, explain which language you would like to practise and which you can offer in return. Personal conversations and friendships may develop naturally. However, do not use Sprachtandem.ch specifically to find romantic partners or arrange sexual encounters.
You choose who you would like to learn with and can use the available search filters to help you. What matters is that your interest in a language exchange is sincere. The other person is equally free to decide whether they would like to take part.
Respect personal boundaries
No one has to reply to a message, stay in touch or explain why they are not interested. Respect it when someone says no. If someone does not reply, avoid repeatedly following up. Do not use another profile or a different platform to get around a rejection or a block.
Unsolicited sexual messages or images, insults, threats and pressure have no place here. If an interaction makes you uncomfortable, you can end it and block the person at any time. You do not need to prove that they have broken a rule or discuss the matter with them first.
Recognise attempted scams
In a romance scam, also known as a love scam, someone pretends to have romantic feelings to gain your trust and get money from you. Watch out for these signs:
- Declarations of love very early on, even though you hardly know each other.
- Pressure to move to private messaging services while language learning takes a back seat.
- Repeated excuses for cancelled meetings, combined with supposed emergencies and requests for money.
- Requests to send gift cards or cryptocurrency, invest through a recommended platform or transfer money on someone else's behalf.
One sign alone does not prove that someone is a scammer. But you do not have to investigate your suspicions yourself before taking action. Do not send money to people you only know online or do financial favours for them.
Protect your personal information
Where possible, use the chat on Sprachtandem.ch for your first conversations. Only share your phone number, home address or other personal details when you feel comfortable doing so. Do not share passwords, login codes, payment details or copies of identity documents with your contacts. Do not open suspicious links.
Do not let anyone pressure you into sharing intimate pictures or videos. A friendly profile, a photo or a video call is no guarantee of someone's identity or intentions.
Blocking and reporting
Open the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the chat or the person's profile. You can block or report them there.
Blocking stops that account from sending you further messages on Sprachtandem.ch. It does not block contact through other services. Blocking someone does not replace reporting them to us.
Report suspicious profiles, possible scams, harassment or other rule violations to us. Even if you are unsure, you can tell us about behaviour that concerns you. Choose the relevant reason or ‘other reason’ and describe what happened as clearly as possible.
If possible, save relevant messages and profile details before blocking, as long as doing so does not cause you additional distress. You do not need a complete set of evidence to end contact or report something. If you send us screenshots, include only the relevant context and hide the details of anyone who is not involved.
We take reports seriously and review the circumstances described. We consider the specific behaviour and the available context. Where there are indications of a breach, we may take action under our terms of use, up to and including suspending an account.
Take action if someone asks for money or threatens you
If you suspect a scam, do not send any money or further personal information. End contact and report the profile.
If you have already paid, contact your bank or payment provider immediately. Ask whether the payment can still be stopped or recovered. Save messages and payment records and report the incident to the police. Getting your money back cannot be guaranteed.
If someone threatens you or blackmails you by threatening to publish intimate images or videos, do not pay. Save the threats, stop communicating with them and contact the police. Ask someone you trust for support. The responsibility for fraud or blackmail lies with the people who commit it.
Plan your first meeting with care
Choose a busy public place for your first meeting. Tell someone you trust who you are meeting, when and where, and arrange your own journey home. You can leave a meeting at any time if you feel uncomfortable.
If you are under 18, involve a parent or guardian when getting to know new people and planning meetings.
Need support?
Use the report function on the relevant profile. If this is not possible or you would like to provide more information, you can reach us through our support page. Reporting someone to Sprachtandem.ch does not replace reporting an incident to the police.
