In collaboration with psychologist Hugo Schmale of the University of Hamburg, a questionnaire and associated profile-matching algorithm was developed with the purpose of bringing like-minded couples together.

Since 2002, Parship has expanded to 13 countries in addition to Germany: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

Due to the large success, in 2005 two separate portals were launched, catering explicitly to a homosexual target group.

Parship's free membership includes registration, an automated evaluation of the questionnaire and the possibility of inspecting the profiles of other members, but not photos.

Dissatisfied customers cite the 'hidden' auto renewal clause and subsequent appointment of debt collectors as a grievance, as well as the low number of appropriately matched profiles.