German language exchange in London
Hallo! Want to practise German face to face in London? A language exchange is the simplest way. You help someone with your language. They help you with German. No teacher and no fee.
How to find a German partner
Nearly Fluent is a free app for finding language partners in Surrey and London. Choose German as a language you speak or are learning. The app shows members near you, best fits first. Say hello. If they reply, agree a time and a public place for a coffee.
German speakers in London come from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Each has its own accent and a few of its own words. That is good for you. Real German sounds different from textbook German, and you will hear both.
Two ways to practise
- One to one: meet a partner for an hour. Spend half in German and half in English.
- A small table: join four to six people, hosted by a member. Book your place in the app and pay only for your own drink.
See what is on in London. Tables are added by members, so check back if there is nothing yet. If you want a German table and cannot find one, host it. Our guide on how to host a language table shows you how.
What makes German different
German has three genders, four cases and verbs that split in half. That sounds hard on paper. In conversation it is easier than it looks. People understand you even when the article is wrong. The word order takes practice, and conversation is the only way to get it.
Two things to settle early with your partner:
- Du or Sie. Most exchange partners are happy with du. Ask anyway.
- Corrections. Say whether you want every mistake pointed out, or just the big ones.
What to talk about
Easy topics keep a conversation going: food, travel, football, work and plans for the weekend. German speakers often enjoy a direct question, so ask one. For ideas, see conversation topics for a language exchange.
Tips for your first meeting
- Agree the plan first. Decide how long in each language.
- Prepare two or three things to say about yourself.
- Bring a small notebook for new words.
- Ask people to slow down. Nobody minds.
- Be patient with yourself. Everyone gets stuck.
New to this? Start with what a language exchange is and how an evening works.
Other ways to hear German in London
A language exchange works best alongside other practice. London has German films at cinemas, German bakeries and cafés. There are Christmas markets in winter. Watching a film with German audio and English subtitles is cheap practice. Then talk about the film at your next exchange.
Safe and free
Nearly Fluent is free and for adults aged 18 and over. You meet in public places. Your email is never shown to other members. We show your area, never your address. Read the safety guide and the community guidelines.
FAQ
### I am a beginner. Is a German exchange useful for me?
Yes, if you can hold a basic conversation. Learn greetings, numbers and a few questions first. Then tell your partner your level and ask them to keep it simple.
### Do I need to speak German to join a German table?
You need to be learning it, at any level. Tables are open to all levels. Native speakers come to practise English, and learners come to practise German.
### How much does it cost?
The app is free. At a café you pay only for your own drink.
More: how to host a table · first meet-up tips · pick a language