What’s the Difference Between ‘wissen’ and ‘kennen’ in German? 🤔🇩🇪

Hallo zusammen! 👋

Today, we are going to answer a new question: What’s the difference between wissen and kennen in German?

This blog will clarify when to use each verb correctly. 📚📝

Explanation:

Using wissen for Facts:

Many German learners get confused between these two verbs because they both translate to the English verb to know.

For example:

• I know that he is coming.
• I know him.

In the first sentence, I know that he is coming, I am sure he is coming, so it’s a fact. When we talk about facts in German, we use the verb wissen, not kennen.

So, I know that he is coming becomes Ich weiß, dass er kommt. 🎓

Using kennen for Familiarity:

In the second sentence, I know him, we use the verb to know to show that I am familiar with him. When we want to express familiarity or acquaintance with people, places, or things in German, we use the verb kennen, not wissen.

So, I know him becomes Ich kenne ihn. 📖

Summary:

To distinguish between wissen and kennen:

• Use wissen for facts. 📖
• Use kennen for familiarity with people, places, or things. 👥

For another German verb distinction, compare lernen vs studieren and erinnern vs sich erinnern.

Extra Examples:

Here are some extra examples to help you practice:

• Ich kenne diesen Film. (I know this movie.) 🎬
• Ich weiß nicht, wo er wohnt. (I don’t know where he lives.) 🏠
• Kennst du die Stadt Berlin? (Do you know the city of Berlin?) 🌆