What is The Difference Between Kennen And Wissen?

Posted by Michael J Jul 8

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If you are learning German and are just beginning, you will encounter some words that are very familiar but are easy to get confused about at first glance; but when it comes to understanding their meaning, that's when words like kennen and kennen cause confusion. The reason for a learner is confused is expected, since kennen and wissen both mean "to know" in the English language, and one and the same verb is shown in the German language.

This little distinction can help with avoiding frequent errors in your German sentences and make your writing and speech more natural.

A Simple Difference Between ‘kennen' and ‘wissen'

The easiest way to understand these two verbs is:  The word kennen is to know someone or something. Wissen is the knowledge of something or someone, as well as facts or answers. In English, we have the same word "know" for both situations but in German the meaning is different.For many students who are just starting to learn this language in a German Language Course in Lucknow, this understanding is of great help in learning German and speaking it properly while in practice.

When To Use Kennen?

Kennen is used when you know a person, place, object or event.

These include, but are not limited to:

  • To know a friend or a person

  • Having an understanding of a city

  • Recognizing an image, book or song

  • A knowledge of a specific location

Examples:

  • Ich kenne Maria.

  • (I know Maria.)

  • Ich kenne Berlin.

  • (I know Berlin.)

Here, you don't need to mention Maria and Berlin. You are just stating that you know them.

When Do You Use Wissen?

When you know a fact or piece of information, you use the word wissen.

It is used to refer to:

  • Answers

  • Facts

  • Details

  • Knowledge

  • Explanations

Examples:

  • Ich weiß die Antwort (I know the answer)

  • Ich weiß, dass er heute ankommt (I know that he is coming today.)

These sentences are about the information being spoken about and not about familiarity. Learners studying in a German Language Course in Chandigarh prefers to practice these instances through conversation so that it enables them to recollect the difference in a fun-filled way. A mnemonic device to help remember the difference.

This easy tip can assist you in selecting the right verb in just a few seconds. The most frequent errors made by German learners. The English language uses a single word, and many learners translate directly, resulting in mistakes.

Some common errors include:

Ich weiß, Anna vs. Ich kenne, Anna.

When using ich kenne die Antwort, this means saying "I know the answer" rather than "I do know the answer".

In order to improve, it is important to learn example sentences rather than just memorize individual meanings. You see the words in the real world and your brain learns how native speakers use the words. Help and guidance to develop your understanding through practice. Knowing the rules of grammar is easier if you use them. 

To enhance your use of it you can:

  • Daily short sentences in German.

  • Listen to German dialogues.

  • View German movies or videos.

  • Practice using common questions and responses.

Over time, confusing grammar topics will be easier with small, daily efforts. It is quite common for learners interested in taking German Language Course in Gurgaon

 to observe that learning words and grammar in tandem increases confidence in speaking German.

Why is It Important To Learn This Difference?

Knowing the meaning and the difference between two German verbs, kennen and wissen, can prove to be helpful in many ways. First, you will use the right verb, which will make your German conversation more fluent, and thus easier to understand.

For this reason, the differences in grammar are learned at the same time as the acquisition of higher-order skills in German, and so learners may spend time on these aspects of the grammar if they are using very structured resources such as German Training in Bangalore.

The ability to read it as a prerequisite skill for the language. Learners end up spending more on understanding the difference.

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