In 2003-04 the Open University offered its first German beginners' course with a dual tuition strand: tutorials were delivered either face-to-face or online using synchronous, audio-graphic, Internet-based conferencing software. For the new online tutors, a special training programme was designed and delivered. We evaluated the benefits of our training through a brief questionnaire and in-depth interviews with selected participants. The outcomes are two-fold: proof of the necessity of pedagogical training for tutors who work in a new and fast-moving field, and some recommendations for best practice in training tutors for online tuition. (Contains 1 figure and 3 tables.)