What is the difference between wissen vs. kennen in German

verbs

Dec 13

Diving into the German language reveals a fascinating landscape of precise vocabulary, where even seemingly similar words hold distinct meanings. This is vividly exemplified in the case of "wissen" and "kennen" – two verbs that both translate to "to know" in English, yet tell a different story in German.

Why is it so confusing

Mixing up "wissen" and "kennen" in German is a common challenge, especially for language learners, as German, like many languages, has nuances that aren't always directly translatable into other languages. The distinction between "wissen" and "kennen" exemplifies this linguistic nuance, lacking a direct parallel in many languages, making it harder for non-native speakers to grasp. This confusion is further compounded by the similar English equivalent for both words: in English, "wissen" and "kennen" are often translated as "to know." This lack of distinction in English leads to further confusion when applying the correct usage in German, as learners may not immediately grasp the subtle differences in meaning and context between the two German verbs.

Recommended study materials on the topic:

Langenscheidt Go Smart - German Verbs
A-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)
German self-study book for A1-B1 (incl. answers)
German Verb Charts: Learning Regular and Irregular Verbs at a glance

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The German verb “wissen”

The German verb "wissen" plays a crucial role in the language, primarily used to express knowledge of facts or information. It is similar to the English verb "to know" but is specifically employed when referring to knowing something in a factual or intellectual sense. "Wissen" is about concrete, often verifiable, knowledge.

We use “wissen” to:

Convey awareness of facts:
Ich weiß, dass Berlin die Hauptstadt von Deutschland ist. → I know that Berlin is the capital of Germany.
Understanding of specific pieces of information:
Weißt du, wie spät es ist? → Do you know what time it is?

The conjugation of wissen:

"Wissen" belongs to a unique category of German verbs known as "Mischverben," a small group characterized by a blend of irregular and regular verb properties. These verbs undergo a stem vowel change in various forms, similar to irregular verbs, yet they follow the regular verb pattern for past tense endings.

Präsens (present tense)

ich weiß

du weißt

er/sie/es weiß

wir wissen

ihr wisst

sie wissen

Präteritum (simple past)

ich wusste

du wusstest

er/sie/es wusste

wir wussten

ihr wusstet

sie wussten

Perfekt (Present Perfect Tense)

er hat gewusst

The German verb “kennen”

The German verb "kennen" is an essential part of the language, used to denote familiarity or acquaintance with people, places, or things. Unlike "wissen," which relates to knowing facts or information, "kennen" is about personal experience and recognition. This verb is crucial for indicating a personal connection or firsthand knowledge rather than factual understanding and is usually followed by an Accusative object.

For instance, one would use "kennen" to express:

Being acquainted with a person:
Ich kenne den Mann. → I know the man.
Being familiar with a place or an object:
Kennst du diesen Film? → Do you know this movie?

The conjugation of kennen

“Kennen” is also a so-called “Mischverb,” which means part of a very small group that is a mixture of irregular and regular verbs. This means these verbs change their stem vowel in different forms like an irregular verb, but the past tense ending is exactly like the regular verbs.

Präsens (present tense)

ich kenne

du kennst

er/sie/es kennt

wir kennen

ihr kennt

sie kennen

Präteritum (simple past)

ich kannte

du kanntest

er/sie/es kannte

wir kannten

ihr kanntet

sie kannten

Perfekt (Present Perfect Tense)

er hat gekannt

Tip: "Wissen" in German is used to express knowledge of facts or information, "kennen" refers to familiarity or acquaintance with people, places, or things.

Conclusion

To summarize, comprehending the distinction between "wissen" and "kennen" is crucial for mastering the intricacies of the German language. Recognizing the specific contexts in which each verb is used not only enhances language proficiency but also deepens an appreciation for the meticulousness and depth of German. I trust that this article has clarified any confusion regarding these terms. Additionally, I recommend exploring the article on the difference between "antworten" and "beantworten" in German for further insights into the language's unique verb usage.

Bis bald!

Steffie

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