kennen
Translation
to know, to be acquainted with, to be familiar with
Examples
Ich kenne diesen Mann nicht.
I don't know this man.
Kennst du den Weg zum Bahnhof?
Do you know the way to the station?
Wir kennen uns schon lange.
We've known each other for a long time.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to know (sb./sth.) I know him very well.
((each other)) to know (each other) We have known each other for a long time.
Similar Words
Synonyms: wissen (to know facts); Antonyms: vergessen (to forget)
Etymology
From Old High German 'kennen'. Cognate with English 'can' (originally 'to know how') and 'ken'.
Memory Tips
Use 'kennen' for people, places, and familiarity. Use 'wissen' for facts.