Verb

kennen

Translation

to know, to be acquainted with

Wir kannten den Weg nicht.

We didn't know the way.

Sie kannten sich schon lange.

They had known each other for a long time.

((sb./sth.)) to know, be acquainted with (sb./sth.) I know this man.

Synonyms: wissen (to know a fact); Antonyms: nicht kennen (to not know)

From Proto-Germanic *kannijaną, related to English 'know' and 'can'.

Use 'kennen' for people, places, and things you are familiar with. Use 'wissen' for facts. Think 'to be acquainted with' for 'kennen'.