What actually seems “obvious” is always experienced differently in partnership work. Because the collaboration between people from Baden-Württemberg and their partners in the so-called Global South is not a sure-fire success. It requires understanding of cultural and linguistic differences. If this is missing, misunderstandings arise. Prejudices are often (un)consciously reproduced, dependencies are not noticed and even less addressed. But this is exactly what real partnership means: that differences in power are reflected and (financial) decisions are made together and with the partner's perspective included. To support people in establishing and maintaining such partnerships, the SEZ offers advice and information materials.