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how to say know in german

how to say know in german

2 min read 05-02-2025
how to say know in german

Knowing how to say "know" in German opens up a world of communication possibilities. Unlike English, German distinguishes between different types of knowing, leading to several ways to express the concept. This guide will explore the nuances of expressing "know" in German, helping you choose the most appropriate word for any situation.

The Most Common Ways to Say "Know" in German

The most frequently used German words for "know" are wissen and kennen. While both translate to "know" in English, their usage differs significantly. Understanding this difference is crucial for accurate communication.

Wissen – To Know Facts and Information

Use wissen when you're referring to knowledge of facts, information, or skills. Think of it as knowing something intellectually.

  • Example: "Ich weiß, dass es regnet." (I know that it's raining.) Here, you're expressing knowledge of a fact.
  • Example: "Sie weiß, wie man Klavier spielt." (She knows how to play the piano.) This refers to knowledge of a skill.

Kennen – To Be Acquainted With

Use kennen when you're talking about being familiar with a person, place, or thing. It implies a level of familiarity or acquaintance.

  • Example: "Ich kenne diesen Mann." (I know this man.) This means you're acquainted with him.
  • Example: "Kennt ihr dieses Restaurant?" (Do you know this restaurant?) This refers to familiarity with the establishment.

Beyond Wissen and Kennen: Other Ways to Express "Know"

While wissen and kennen cover most situations, other verbs and phrases can subtly alter the meaning of "know."

Erfahren – To Learn or Find Out

Erfahren means "to learn" or "to find out" something new. It emphasizes the process of acquiring knowledge.

  • Example: "Ich habe erfahren, dass er krank ist." (I learned that he is sick.)

Begreifen – To Understand

Begreifen implies a deeper understanding, often after a process of learning or reflection.

  • Example: "Ich begreife jetzt das Problem." (I understand the problem now.)

Durchschauen – To See Through or Figure Out

This verb implies discerning a hidden truth or understanding a deception.

  • Example: "Ich habe ihn durchschaut." (I saw through him.)

Knowing Someone Well: Gut kennen

To express knowing someone well, use gut kennen. This adds emphasis to the depth of your acquaintance.

  • Example: "Ich kenne ihn gut." (I know him well.)

Perfect Tense: The "Have Known" Equivalent

Like English, German uses a perfect tense to express actions completed in the past. For wissen and kennen, this involves using the auxiliary verb haben (to have) with the past participle.

  • Wissen: Ich habe gewusst (I have known/I knew)
  • Kennen: Ich habe gekannt (I have known/I knew)

Mastering the Nuances of "Know" in German

Choosing between wissen and kennen depends on the context. Focus on whether you are talking about factual knowledge or familiarity with a person, place, or thing. Paying attention to these subtle differences will significantly improve the accuracy and fluency of your German. Practice using these words in different sentences, and you'll quickly master the art of saying "know" in German.

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