Meaning
To acknowledge or become aware of information.
Cultural Background
In German business culture, 'Kenntnisnahme' is a vital part of the 'Dienstweg' (official channels). It ensures that responsibility is tracked. Austrians might use the phrase with a slightly more polite or indirect tone, but the formal meaning remains identical to Germany. In Swiss German business contexts, 'Kenntnis nehmen' is used frequently, often alongside 'verdanken' (to thank for/acknowledge). In the legal world, 'Kenntnis' is a technical term. If you have 'Kenntnis' of a fact, you are legally responsible for that knowledge.
The 'Neutral' Shield
Use this phrase when you want to acknowledge something without saying 'yes' or 'no'. It's a great diplomatic tool.
Too Stiff?
Don't use this with friends unless you're joking. It sounds like you're a robot.
Meaning
To acknowledge or become aware of information.
The 'Neutral' Shield
Use this phrase when you want to acknowledge something without saying 'yes' or 'no'. It's a great diplomatic tool.
Too Stiff?
Don't use this with friends unless you're joking. It sounds like you're a robot.
The Stamp of Approval
In German offices, 'z.K.g.' (zur Kenntnis genommen) is a common abbreviation on documents.
Preposition Power
Remember: 'etwas (Akk) zur Kenntnis nehmen' is usually easier to use than 'von etwas (Dat) Kenntnis nehmen'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the formal acknowledgment.
Wir haben Ihre Beschwerde ___ Kenntnis ___.
The standard phrase is 'etwas zur Kenntnis nehmen'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal business email?
You want to tell a client you saw their change of address.
This is the standard professional way to acknowledge information.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Haben Sie die neuen Sicherheitsregeln gelesen?' B: 'Ja, ich habe ___.'
Both 'etwas zur Kenntnis nehmen' and 'von etwas Kenntnis nehmen' are grammatically correct.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'Er nahm mich gar nicht zur Kenntnis.'
In social contexts, this phrase means to ignore someone's presence.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWir haben Ihre Beschwerde ___ Kenntnis ___.
The standard phrase is 'etwas zur Kenntnis nehmen'.
You want to tell a client you saw their change of address.
This is the standard professional way to acknowledge information.
A: 'Haben Sie die neuen Sicherheitsregeln gelesen?' B: 'Ja, ich habe ___.'
Both 'etwas zur Kenntnis nehmen' and 'von etwas Kenntnis nehmen' are grammatically correct.
Sentence: 'Er nahm mich gar nicht zur Kenntnis.'
In social contexts, this phrase means to ignore someone's presence.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it strictly means you have received and understood the information. Agreement requires words like 'zustimmen' or 'einverstanden sein'.
Only if you are being ironic or very formal with a business contact. For friends, use 'Hab's gesehen' or 'Alles klar'.
'Bemerken' is for things you see or feel (like a smell or a person entering a room). 'Kenntnis nehmen' is for information or official facts.
Yes, it is always {die|f} Kenntnis.
It means to completely ignore someone, acting as if they aren't there.
Use 'Ich habe es zur Kenntnis genommen'.
In writing, people sometimes use the abbreviation 'z.K.' (zur Kenntnis).
Yes, but it usually means you are acknowledging their presence or existence, often used negatively (ignoring them).
Yes, very often. 'Die Regierung nimmt die Berichte zur Kenntnis' is a classic news sentence.
The opposite would be 'ignorieren' (to ignore) or 'übersehen' (to overlook).
It sounds very strange and robotic. Better: 'Ich nehme dich (nicht) zur Kenntnis'.
Much more common in writing (emails, letters, reports).
Related Phrases
etwas vermerken
similarTo make a note of something.
etwas bestätigen
similarTo confirm something.
jemanden ignorieren
contrastTo ignore someone.
in Kenntnis setzen
builds onTo inform someone.
