General terms and conditions

The following is an English translation of our "Terms & Conditions". However, please note that in the event of legal dispute, only the German version is legally valid.

1. contracting party & scope of application
The language courses are run by TANDEM Köln, Rolandstr. 57, 50677 Cologne (proprietor: Oliver Lechlmair). Participation in our courses is possible for all those interested in education from the age of 18. In agreement with TANDEM Köln, participation in our courses is also possible for younger persons. These General Terms and Conditions apply to all teaching contracts for language courses (even online) between TANDEM Köln and the participant (except for our German Intensive Courses; here you will find the General Terms and Conditions for German Intensive Courses).
Any changes to these Terms and Conditions must be made in writing.

2. conclusion of contract
A booking is binding after receipt of the written registration (also in electronic form) and a written booking confirmation on our part. The conclusion of the contract obliges to the full payment of the booked services, unless the cancellation of the booked services was declared in writing within the cancellation periods.

3. payment
A deposit of EUR 100,- is due upon conclusion of the contract. The remaining amount is due at the beginning of the course, unless an instalment payment has been expressly agreed upon. The last instalment must be paid halfway through the course at the latest. Payments are made by bank transfer to our account DE08440100460441801466 at the DB Privat- und Firmenkundenbank (BIC PBNKDEFF) or by card or cash at our office. All fees are to be paid by the participant.

4. service
TANDEM Köln owes the provision of the agreed tuition. During the term of the Contract, the obligation to pay the fee shall exist irrespective of participation.

5. Liability
Each participant is responsible for his/her own property. TANDEM Köln shall not be liable for any loss or damage. This shall not apply in the case of intent or gross negligence on the part of TANDEM Köln and not for injuries to health or life of the participant. We recommend all participants to take out liability, accident and health insurance.

6. withdrawal / cancellation
If the participant withdraws up to four weeks before the start of the course, the deposit will be refunded minus a processing fee of 50,- EUR. In case of cancellation within four weeks before the beginning of the course, TANDEM Köln will charge the actual costs incurred by us due to the cancellation, but at least 50% of the course fee. If a substitute participant is provided, this part of the costs will not apply.
In case of non-attendance or premature termination of a course by the participant, the full course fee shall be payable. Already paid amounts will not be refunded. If a substitute participant is provided, this division of costs is not applicable.
Only in the case of one-to-one lessons you can cancel an agreed lesson date during our business hours up to 24 hours in advance free of charge (in writing to [email protected]).
The mutual right of cancellation without notice for good cause remains unaffected.

7. non-execution
If, in exceptional cases, there are not enough registrations for a course, the booked lessons can be shortened or converted into individual lessons in agreement between the school and the participant. TANDEM Köln will take into account the legitimate interests of the participant.
In this case, the participant will be free to withdraw from the contract and be reimbursed for all costs.

8. data protection
The participant agrees to the electronic storage of his or her data. The data will only be used to fulfil the purpose of the contract; it will not be passed on to third parties (see also our privacy policy).

9. Commencement, Duration and Organisational changes
TANDEM Köln offers its events as classroom and online courses. Please refer to the programme of events for the beginning, duration, location and times of the courses. At all events, teachers may be changed, if TANDEM Köln has a considerable interest in changing teachers due to special circumstances (e.g. illness of the teacher). Participants will be informed immediately. On public holidays, no classes take place.

10. special arrangements for the duration of the Corona Restrictions
Classes can be continued online at any time for the duration of the Corona restrictions. The lessons will then take place in the virtual classroom in terms of content and time. It is not possible to postpone the course or to refund fees already paid. In the case of withdrawal and cancellation the rules as already described in point 6 apply. 

11. severability clause
Should individual provisions of these General Terms and Conditions of Business be or become invalid, this shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the contract. The invalid provision shall be replaced by a provision whose effect comes closest to the regulatory purpose of the invalid provision

12. place of jurisdiction
The place of jurisdiction is Cologne.

TANDEM Köln, 01.07.2020