kennen — meaning in English: know

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kennen

ihr

macht

frage

schau

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'kennen' in everyday conversations when discussing acquaintances or familiarity with places. For instance, you might hear someone say, 'Ich kenne ihn gut' (I know him well) when talking about a friend, or 'Ich kenne diese Stadt' (I know this city) when sharing experiences with travelers.

Synonyms & nuances

'Kennen' often contrasts with 'wissen', which means 'to know' in a factual sense. While 'kennen' is used for familiarity with people or places, 'wissen' is used for knowledge of information or facts. For example, you would say 'Ich kenne Maria' (I know Maria) but 'Ich weiß, dass die Erde rund ist' (I know that the Earth is round).

Culture

'Kennen' comes from the Old High German word 'kenna', which originally meant 'to recognize' or 'to make known'. This reflects the intimate nature of the word, as it implies a deeper understanding or connection rather than just factual knowledge, highlighting how relationships and experiences shape our understanding in German culture.

FAQ

Q.What is the difference between kennen and wissen?

'Kennen' is used for familiarity with people or places, while 'wissen' refers to factual knowledge. This is an important distinction for learners to grasp, as using them interchangeably can lead to misunderstandings.

Q.How do I use kennen in a sentence?

To use 'kennen' correctly, structure your sentence to include the person or place you are familiar with. For example, 'Ich kenne meinen Nachbarn' (I know my neighbor) clearly indicates familiarity.

Q.Are there common phrases with kennen?

Yes, common phrases include 'jemanden gut kennen' (to know someone well) or 'sich mit etwas auskennen' (to be familiar with something). These expressions help convey nuances of familiarity.

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