kennen|lernen
Translation
to get to know, to meet for the first time
Examples
Ich habe sie gestern kennen gelernt.
I met her yesterday.
Wir lernen uns gerade erst kennen.
We are just getting to know each other.
Wo habt ihr euch kennen gelernt?
Where did you two meet?
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to get to know (sb./sth.) I would like to get to know you better.
Similar Words
Synonyms: treffen (to meet, but kennenlernen implies the beginning of a relationship).
Etymology
A compound of 'kennen' (to know) and 'lernen' (to learn). Literally 'to learn to know'.
Memory Tips
It's a separable verb. The 'kennen' part goes to the end of the clause in the present tense: 'Ich lerne dich heute kennen.' (I'm getting to know you today).