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A1 verb #300 most common 11 min read

kennen

Top 300

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips kennen in 30 Seconds

Explanation kennen in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'kennen' is one of the first verbs you learn to describe your social circle and your environment. It is used in its simplest form: Subject + kennen + Accusative Object. Learners focus on the present tense conjugation (ich kenne, du kennst, etc.) and use it to talk about people they know ('Ich kenne Maria'), cities they have visited ('Ich kenne Berlin'), or things they are familiar with ('Ich kenne das Buch'). The primary goal at this level is to distinguish 'kennen' from 'wissen' in basic contexts. You learn that you 'know' a person (kennen) but you 'know' a phone number (wissen). It is a vital tool for basic introductions and for expressing familiarity with your immediate surroundings. Exercises at this level usually involve simple sentence construction and choosing between 'kennen' and 'wissen' based on whether the object is a person/place or a piece of information.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'kennen' to include the past tense. Since 'kennen' is a mixed verb, you learn the Präteritum form 'kannte' and the Perfekt form 'hat gekannt'. This allows you to talk about people you used to know or things you have known for a long time. You also start using 'kennen' with more diverse objects, such as movies, songs, and simple professional tools. The reflexive form 'sich kennen' (to know each other) becomes important for describing relationships. You might say, 'Wir kennen uns seit zwei Jahren.' You also begin to see 'kennen' in common phrases like 'freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen'. The focus shifts from just 'who' you know to 'how long' and 'in what context' you have known them. You also start to encounter the negative form 'keinen/keine/kein ... kennen' to express a lack of familiarity with specific categories of things.

At the B1 level, the use of 'kennen' becomes more nuanced. You start using the separable-like infinitive 'kennenzulernen' in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Es ist wichtig, neue Leute kennenzulernen.' You also encounter the verb 'sich auskennen' (to be well-versed/know one's way around), which is a crucial expansion of the basic 'kennen'. Instead of just saying 'Ich kenne die Stadt,' a B1 learner might say 'Ich kenne mich in dieser Stadt gut aus.' This level also introduces the concept of 'bekannt sein' (to be known/famous) and the noun 'die Kenntnis' (knowledge/skill), which is related to the verb. You begin to use 'kennen' in more abstract ways, such as 'Regeln kennen' (knowing the rules) or 'Grenzen kennen' (knowing limits). The distinction between 'kennen' and 'wissen' is reinforced through more complex scenarios where both might be used in the same paragraph to describe different types of knowledge.

At the B2 level, you explore the many prefixed versions of 'kennen', such as 'erkennen' (to recognize/realize), 'anerkennen' (to recognize/acknowledge officially), and 'bekennen' (to confess/admit). You learn how these prefixes change the meaning of the root verb significantly. For example, 'Ich erkenne meine Fehler' (I recognize my mistakes) uses the root of 'kennen' but describes a cognitive process rather than just familiarity. You also use 'kennen' in more idiomatic expressions and formal contexts. You might discuss 'Markenbekanntheit' (brand awareness) or 'Sachkenntnis' (expertise). The grammar becomes more sophisticated, involving passive constructions with 'bekannt sein' and using 'kennen' in the subjunctive (Konjunktiv II) for hypothetical situations: 'Wenn ich ihn kennen würde, würde ich ihn fragen.' Your ability to use 'kennen' and its derivatives allows for much more precise communication about identity, recognition, and expertise.

At the C1 level, 'kennen' is used to discuss deep familiarity and subtle recognition in literary, academic, and professional contexts. You use the verb to describe familiarity with complex theories, historical periods, or intricate social dynamics. The focus is on the nuances of 'knowing'. You might analyze the difference between 'etwas kennen' (being familiar with something) and 'etwas durchdringen' (having a deep, penetrating understanding of something). You also use the noun forms like 'die Menschenkenntnis' (insight into human nature) and 'die Ortskenntnis' (local knowledge) fluently. At this level, you are expected to use 'kennen' in formal writing to cite familiarity with research or literature: 'Wie man aus der Fachliteratur kennt...' (As is known from the professional literature...). You also master the use of 'kennen' in complex idiomatic expressions that convey cultural depth, such as 'seine Pappenheimer kennen' (to know who you're dealing with).

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'kennen' and its entire word family is near-native. You can use the verb in philosophical discussions about the nature of knowledge and recognition. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to other Germanic and Indo-European languages. You can appreciate and use 'kennen' in high-level literature, where it might be used metaphorically to describe a deep, almost spiritual familiarity with a concept or a landscape. You are comfortable with archaic or highly formal uses of the verb and its derivatives, such as 'sich zu etwas bekennen' (to profess one's belief in something). You can navigate the most subtle distinctions between 'kennen', 'wissen', 'verstehen', and 'begreifen' in any context, from legal documents to poetic verse. Your use of 'kennen' is not just about communication, but about expressing a sophisticated relationship with the world and the people in it.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

kennen in 30 Seconds

Kennen means 'to be familiar with' people, places, or things.
It always takes a direct object in the accusative case.
Do not use it for facts; use 'wissen' for that instead.
The past forms are 'kannte' (simple past) and 'gekannt' (past participle).

The German verb kennen is one of the most fundamental pillars of the German language, specifically addressing the concept of familiarity. For English speakers, the primary challenge lies in the fact that English uses the single word 'to know' for two distinct German concepts: kennen (familiarity) and wissen (factual knowledge). When you use kennen, you are expressing that you have had a personal encounter, an experience, or a level of acquaintance with a person, a place, a book, a movie, or a specific object.

Social Familiarity: This is the most common use. If you have met someone and can recognize them, you 'kennen' them. It implies a social connection or at least a visual recognition. For example, 'Ich kenne den Lehrer' means you are acquainted with the teacher.

Ich kenne diesen Film bereits, er ist sehr spannend.

Beyond people, kennen applies to geographical locations and cultural works. If you have visited Berlin and know your way around, you 'kennen' Berlin. If you have read 'Faust', you 'kennen' the book. It suggests a holistic understanding rather than just knowing a single fact about the subject. It is the difference between knowing that a city exists (wissen) and being familiar with the city (kennen).

Experience-Based Knowledge: Use this verb when you want to convey that you have experienced something firsthand. It is deeply linked to memory and recognition. If someone asks if you know a specific restaurant, they are asking if you have been there or are familiar with its reputation.

Wir kennen uns schon seit der Grundschule.

In professional contexts, kennen is used to describe familiarity with software, procedures, or market trends. 'Kennen Sie sich mit Python aus?' (Are you familiar with Python?) uses a reflexive variation, but the root remains the same. It signifies a level of competence that comes from exposure. Understanding the nuances of kennen is vital for moving beyond basic translation and into true German linguistic thought patterns.

The Accusative Requirement: Grammatically, 'kennen' always requires a direct object in the accusative case. You must know *something* or *someone*. You cannot simply 'know' in a vacuum with this verb, unlike 'wissen' which can stand alone or lead into a subordinate clause.

Sie kennt den Weg zum Bahnhof ganz genau.

Kennst du ein gutes Restaurant in der Nähe?

Using kennen correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation and its relationship with the accusative case. As a mixed verb (gemischtes Verb), it follows a regular pattern in the present tense but changes its stem in the past tense. Let's look at the present tense first: ich kenne, du kennst, er/sie/es kennt, wir kennen, ihr kennt, sie/Sie kennen. It is straightforward and reliable for A1 learners.

Direct Objects (Accusative): The most important grammatical rule is that 'kennen' takes an accusative object. 'Ich kenne den Mann' (masculine accusative 'den'). You are knowing a specific entity. This entity can be a person, a place, or a thing. You cannot use 'kennen' with a 'dass' (that) clause or an interrogative clause (who, what, where). That is the domain of 'wissen'.

Ich kenne deinen Bruder von der Universität.

In the Präteritum (simple past), kennen becomes kannte. In the Perfekt (present perfect), it uses the auxiliary verb haben and the past participle gekannt. For example: 'Ich habe ihn nicht gekannt' (I didn't know him/wasn't acquainted with him). This shift from 'e' to 'a' is characteristic of mixed verbs in German, which combine elements of weak and strong verbs.

Negation with 'kennen': When negating 'kennen', you usually use 'nicht' if you are negating the familiarity itself, or 'kein' if you are negating a noun. 'Ich kenne ihn nicht' (I don't know him). 'Ich kenne keine Lösung' (I know no solution/I don't know a solution).

Wir kannten die Regeln des Spiels nicht.

Reflexive use is also common: sich kennen. This means 'to know each other'. 'Wir kennen uns' (We know each other). This is essential for social interactions. You can also use it to describe self-awareness: 'Ich kenne mich gut' (I know myself well). This reflexive form is a great way to describe relationships and personal development.

Questions with 'kennen': Questions often start with 'Kennst du...?' or 'Kennen Sie...?'. This is the standard way to ask if someone is familiar with a topic, a person, or a place. 'Kennst du dieses Lied?' (Do you know this song?). It invites a 'Yes' or 'No' answer, often followed by more detail.

Hat er dich gekannt, als ihr euch im Supermarkt getroffen habt?

Ich kenne mich hier in der Gegend leider gar nicht aus.

In daily German life, kennen is ubiquitous. You will hear it the moment you are introduced to someone. A common phrase after an introduction is 'Freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen' (Pleased to meet you/to get to know you). Here, the infinitive with 'zu' is used to express the process of becoming familiar. It is the polite standard in both formal and informal settings.

Travel and Navigation: When asking for directions or recommendations, 'kennen' is your best friend. 'Kennen Sie den Weg zum Museum?' or 'Kennst du ein gutes Café?' are phrases you will use constantly. Locals will use it to tell you about their city: 'Ich kenne eine Abkürzung' (I know a shortcut).

Entschuldigung, kennen Sie die Abfahrtszeiten für den Bus nach München?

In the workplace, colleagues will ask if you are familiar with certain tools or clients. 'Kennst du den neuen Kunden?' or 'Kennen Sie dieses Programm?'. It is a way to gauge experience and expertise. In marketing and media, you'll hear about 'Markenbekanntheit' (brand awareness), which stems from the root of 'kennen'. Being 'bekannt' means being known by many people.

Pop Culture and Media: When discussing movies, music, or celebrities, 'kennen' is the default. 'Kennst du den neuen Song von Rammstein?' or 'Ich kenne diesen Schauspieler aus einer anderen Serie.' It is the currency of shared cultural experience.

Diesen Witz kenne ich schon, der ist uralt!

In romantic contexts, 'sich näher kennenlernen' (to get to know each other better) is the standard way to describe dating or building a deeper connection. You might hear someone say, 'Ich möchte dich besser kennenlernen' (I want to get to know you better). It implies a journey of discovery about another person's character and history.

The 'Auskennen' Variation: In casual conversation, you will often hear 'sich auskennen'. 'Ich kenne mich hier nicht aus' means 'I don't know my way around here' or 'I'm not familiar with this topic'. It adds a layer of 'expertise' or 'orientation' to the basic meaning of 'kennen'.

Niemand kennt die Stadt so gut wie der Taxifahrer.

Wir kennen die Antwort auf diese Frage noch nicht.

The absolute most common mistake for English speakers is using kennen when they should use wissen. Because English uses 'know' for both, the brain naturally wants to use one German word for both. However, saying 'Ich kenne, dass er kommt' is a major grammatical error. You must use wissen for facts and clauses. Kennen is strictly for nouns and pronouns representing people, places, or things.

The 'Dass' Trap: Never use 'kennen' before a 'dass' clause. Incorrect: 'Ich kenne, dass Berlin groß ist.' Correct: 'Ich weiß, dass Berlin groß ist.' If you are talking about a fact, use 'wissen'. If you are talking about your personal familiarity with the city, use 'kennen'.

Falsch: Ich kenne, wie man das macht. Richtig: Ich weiß, wie man das macht.

Another mistake involves the past tense. Since kennen is a mixed verb, learners often try to conjugate it as a regular weak verb ('kennte') or a strong verb without the 't' ('kann'). The correct simple past is kannte and the past participle is gekannt. Forgetting that 't' in the past tense is a common slip-up for intermediate learners.

Confusing 'kennen' and 'erkennen': 'Erkennen' means 'to recognize' (as in, to identify someone you haven't seen in a while). 'Kennen' is the state of being familiar. If you see a friend in a crowd, you 'erkennst' them. But you 'kennst' them for years. Using 'kennen' when you mean the act of recognition can lead to confusion.

Ich habe ihn fast nicht wiedererkannt, obwohl ich ihn gut kenne.

Learners also struggle with the difference between 'kennen' and 'können' (to be able to/can). While they sound slightly similar to a beginner's ear, they are entirely different. 'Ich kann Deutsch' (I can speak/know German as a skill) vs. 'Ich kenne die deutsche Grammatik' (I am familiar with German grammar). 'Können' implies ability, while 'kennen' implies familiarity.

Case Errors: Because 'kennen' is so basic, learners often forget the accusative. 'Ich kenne der Mann' is wrong. It must be 'Ich kenne den Mann'. Always check the gender and case of the person or thing you know.

Kennen Sie meinen Kollegen, Herrn Schmidt?

Sie kennt keine Grenzen, wenn sie arbeitet.

While kennen is the go-to word for familiarity, German offers several nuanced alternatives depending on the level of depth or the specific context of your 'knowing'. Understanding these will elevate your German from basic to sophisticated.

Wissen vs. Kennen: As discussed, 'wissen' is for facts. 'Ich weiß, wann der Zug fährt' (I know when the train leaves). 'Kennen' is for the train itself. 'Ich kenne diesen Zug, er ist immer verspätet.' Use 'wissen' for information that can be written down in a list of facts.

Ich weiß seine Adresse, aber ich kenne ihn nicht persönlich.

Erkennen is a vital relative of kennen. It means 'to recognize' or 'to realize'. It implies a moment of identification. If you see a friend wearing a mask and then realize who it is, you 'erkennst' them. It is also used for recognizing patterns or problems: 'Ich erkenne das Problem' (I recognize/identify the problem).

Sich auskennen: This reflexive verb means 'to be well-versed' or 'to know one's way around'. It is more specific than 'kennen'. While 'Ich kenne Berlin' means you've been there, 'Ich kenne mich in Berlin aus' means you know the subway lines, the best bars, and the shortcuts. It implies expertise.

Er kennt sich hervorragend mit antiken Möbeln aus.

Bekannt sein is the passive-like state of being known. 'Das ist mir bekannt' is a common, slightly formal way to say 'I am aware of that' or 'I know that already'. It is often used in business to acknowledge information without using the more personal 'ich kenne'.

Erfahren vs. Kennen: 'Erfahren' means 'to find out' or 'to experience'. While 'kennen' is the state of knowing, 'erfahren' is the process of gaining that knowledge. 'Ich habe erst gestern davon erfahren' (I only found out about it yesterday).

Diese Methode ist mir bereits bekannt, wir nutzen sie oft.

Ich kenne niemanden, der so gut kochen kann wie du.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Ich kenne die Richtlinien des Unternehmens sehr genau."

Neutral

"Kennst du ein gutes Restaurant in der Nähe?"

Informal

"Ich kenne meine Pappenheimer, die machen das sowieso nicht."

Child friendly

"Kennst du schon das neue Märchen?"

Slang

"Man kennt's!"

Fun Fact

It shares the same ancient root as the English word 'can' and 'kin'. In Old English, 'cennan' meant 'to make known' or 'to bring forth'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkɛnən/

US /ˈkɛnən/

The stress is on the first syllable: KEN-nen.

Rhymes With

nennen rennen brennen trennen pennen scannen flennen pennen

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'e' like a long 'ay' (should be short).
Failing to aspirate the 'k'.
Pronouncing it like 'can' (English word).
Over-emphasizing the second 'n'.
Mixing it up with 'können' (which has an umlaut).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it is a common, short verb.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the accusative case and the mixed past tense forms.

Speaking 2/5

Must avoid the urge to use it for facts (the 'wissen' confusion).

Listening 1/5

Easily heard, though can be confused with 'können' by beginners.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ich du sein haben nicht

Learn Next

wissen können verstehen kennenlernen auskennen

Advanced

anerkennen bekennen verkennen die Erkenntnis

Grammar to Know

Accusative Case

Ich kenne den (not der) Mann.

Mixed Verbs

kennen -> kannte -> gekannt (vowel change + 't').

Separable-like Infinitives

Es ist schön, dich kennenzulernen (zu goes in the middle).

Reflexive Pronouns

Wir kennen uns (accusative reflexive).

Negation with 'kein'

Ich kenne keine Lösung (negating the noun).

Examples by Level

Ich kenne den Weg.

I know the way.

Direct object 'den Weg' is in the accusative case.

Kennst du Maria?

Do you know Maria?

Question form with 'du'.

Wir kennen Berlin.

We know Berlin.

Plural subject 'wir'.

Er kennt dieses Buch.

He knows this book.

Third person singular 'er kennt'.

Kennen Sie das Restaurant?

Do you (formal) know the restaurant?

Formal address 'Sie'.

Ich kenne ihn nicht.

I don't know him.

Negation with 'nicht' after the pronoun.

Sie kennt meine Schwester.

She knows my sister.

Possessive 'meine' in the accusative.

Kennst du ein gutes Café?

Do you know a good café?

Indefinite article 'ein' in the accusative.

Ich habe ihn früher gekannt.

I knew him in the past.

Perfekt tense with 'habe gekannt'.

Wir kannten die Antwort nicht.

We didn't know the answer.

Präteritum (simple past) 'kannten'.

Es ist schön, dich kennenzulernen.

It is nice to get to know you.

Infinitive with 'zu' (kennenzulernen).

Kennst du dich hier aus?

Do you know your way around here?

Reflexive 'sich auskennen'.

Sie kannte den Film schon.

She already knew the movie.

Präteritum 'kannte'.

Wir kennen uns seit der Schule.

We have known each other since school.

Reflexive 'uns kennen'.

Ich habe diese Stadt nie gekannt.

I have never known this city.

Perfekt with negation 'nie'.

Kanntest du meinen Vater?

Did you know my father?

Präteritum question.

Ich kenne mich gut mit Computern aus.

I am well-versed in computers.

Reflexive 'sich auskennen' + mit.

Er kennt seine eigenen Grenzen nicht.

He doesn't know his own limits.

Abstract object 'Grenzen'.

Wir müssen uns erst besser kennenlernen.

We need to get to know each other better first.

Modal verb 'müssen' with 'kennenlernen'.

Kennen Sie die neuesten Nachrichten?

Are you familiar with the latest news?

Familiarity with information.

Ich kenne niemanden in dieser Stadt.

I know nobody in this city.

Negative pronoun 'niemanden' in the accusative.

Sie kennt die Regeln des Spiels genau.

She knows the rules of the game exactly.

Genitive attribute 'des Spiels'.

Haben Sie dieses Lied schon mal gehört? – Ja, ich kenne es.

Have you heard this song before? – Yes, I know it.

Pronoun 'es' referring to 'das Lied'.

Ich kenne kein besseres Hotel.

I know no better hotel.

Comparative 'besseres' with 'kein'.

Ich erkenne ihn an seiner Stimme.

I recognize him by his voice.

Prefix 'er-' changes meaning to 'recognize'.

Er hat seine Schuld endlich bekannt.

He finally confessed his guilt.

Prefix 'be-' changes meaning to 'confess'.

Wir müssen die Leistungen anderer anerkennen.

We must acknowledge the achievements of others.

Prefix 'an-' changes meaning to 'acknowledge'.

Man kennt ihn als einen ehrlichen Mann.

He is known as an honest man.

Passive-like construction 'man kennt ihn als'.

Ich kenne mich in der Materie nicht aus.

I am not familiar with the subject matter.

Reflexive 'sich auskennen' in a professional context.

Kennen Sie die rechtlichen Konsequenzen?

Are you aware of the legal consequences?

Formal use in a professional setting.

Sie kennt die Stadt wie ihre Westentasche.

She knows the city like the back of her hand.

Idiomatic expression 'wie seine Westentasche kennen'.

Ich habe ihn kaum wiedererkannt.

I hardly recognized him.

Prefix 'wieder-' + 'er-' (recognize again).

Seine Menschenkenntnis ist beeindruckend.

His insight into human nature is impressive.

Noun 'Menschenkenntnis' derived from 'kennen'.

Wir müssen die Realität so anerkennen, wie sie ist.

We must acknowledge reality as it is.

Philosophical use of 'anerkennen'.

Er kennt keine Gnade mit seinen Gegnern.

He knows no mercy with his opponents.

Abstract use 'keine Gnade kennen'.

Man kennt diese Problematik aus der Forschung.

This problem is known from research.

Academic use of 'man kennt'.

Ich kenne meine Pappenheimer.

I know who I'm dealing with / I know my people.

Cultural idiom from Schiller's 'Wallenstein'.

Sie hat sich zu ihrem Fehler bekannt.

She admitted to her mistake.

Reflexive 'sich bekennen zu'.

Die Bekanntheit der Marke ist gestiegen.

The brand's awareness has increased.

Noun 'Bekanntheit' (fame/awareness).

Ich kenne kein Pardon bei Unpünktlichkeit.

I show no mercy regarding lateness.

Idiomatic use 'kein Pardon kennen'.

Das Werk lässt eine tiefe Sachkenntnis erkennen.

The work reveals a deep expertise.

Complex construction 'erkennen lassen'.

Er bekannte sich leidenschaftlich zum Humanismus.

He passionately professed his commitment to humanism.

High-level use of 'sich bekennen zu'.

In der Literatur kennt man dieses Motiv seit der Antike.

In literature, this motif has been known since antiquity.

Literary/historical context.

Die Grenzen zwischen Kennen und Wissen verschwimmen hier.

The boundaries between familiarity and factual knowledge blur here.

Nominalized verbs 'Kennen' and 'Wissen'.

Man darf die Tragweite dieser Entscheidung nicht verkennen.

One must not misjudge the significance of this decision.

Prefix 'ver-' meaning 'to misjudge/fail to see'.

Sie kennt die Abgründe der menschlichen Seele.

She knows the depths of the human soul.

Metaphorical/poetic use.

Er ist ein weithin bekannter Experte auf diesem Gebiet.

He is a widely known expert in this field.

Adverbial use 'weithin bekannt'.

Die Anerkennung seiner Verdienste erfolgte posthum.

The recognition of his merits occurred posthumously.

Formal noun 'Anerkennung'.

Common Collocations

jemanden gut kennen

den Weg kennen

keine Grenzen kennen

einen Film kennen

sich persönlich kennen

die Regeln kennen

ein Geheimnis kennen

den Grund kennen

die Wahrheit kennen

einen Witz kennen

Common Phrases

Freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen.

— Pleased to meet you. Used during first introductions.

Guten Tag, Herr Müller. Freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen.

Man kennt das.

— One knows how it is. Used to express shared experience or empathy.

Der Bus ist wieder zu spät. – Ja, man kennt das.

Soweit ich das kenne...

— As far as I know / based on my experience...

Soweit ich das kenne, funktioniert das so nicht.

Ich kenne mich nicht mehr aus.

— I'm confused / I don't understand what's going on anymore.

Bei diesen vielen Regeln kenne ich mich nicht mehr aus.

Lass uns uns kennenlernen.

— Let's get to know each other.

Wir arbeiten jetzt zusammen, lass uns uns kennenlernen.

Das kenne ich irgendwoher.

— That sounds familiar / I've seen that somewhere before.

Dieses Gesicht kenne ich irgendwoher.

Kennst du das auch?

— Do you experience that too? / Are you familiar with this feeling?

Ich bin morgens immer so müde. Kennst du das auch?

Ich kenne meine Pappenheimer.

— I know who I'm dealing with (usually implying they aren't perfect).

Ihr wollt schon wieder keine Hausaufgaben machen? Ich kenne meine Pappenheimer!

Keine Gnade kennen.

— To show no mercy.

Der Schiedsrichter kennt heute keine Gnade.

Etwas in- und auswendig kennen.

— To know something inside out.

Er kennt die Stadt in- und auswendig.

Often Confused With

kennen vs wissen

Wissen is for facts/information; kennen is for familiarity with people/places.

kennen vs können

Können is ability (can); kennen is familiarity (know).

kennen vs erkennen

Erkennen is the act of recognizing; kennen is the state of being familiar.

Idioms & Expressions

"Seine Pappenheimer kennen"

— To know the character of one's people (often their weaknesses).

Ich kenne meine Pappenheimer, die kommen sowieso zu spät.

informal/literary

"Kein Pardon kennen"

— To be uncompromising or ruthless.

Bei Fehlern kennt der Chef kein Pardon.

neutral

"Etwas wie seine Westentasche kennen"

— To know something like the back of one's hand.

Ich kenne dieses Viertel wie meine Westentasche.

informal

"Jemanden nur vom Sehen kennen"

— To know someone only by sight.

Ich kenne ihn nur vom Sehen, wir haben nie gesprochen.

neutral

"Seinen Meister kennenlernen"

— To meet one's match.

Heute hat der Champion seinen Meister kennengelernt.

neutral

"Sich vor lauter Freude nicht mehr kennen"

— To be beside oneself with joy.

Als sie den Preis gewann, kannte sie sich vor Freude nicht mehr.

informal

"Keine Verwandten kennen"

— To be ruthless, even towards those close to one (often in games).

Beim Monopoly kennt er keine Verwandten.

informal

"Jemanden in- und auswendig kennen"

— To know someone inside and out.

Meine Mutter kennt mich in- und auswendig.

neutral

"Das kennt man ja"

— That's a well-known story / situation (often cynical).

Die Politiker versprechen viel, das kennt man ja.

informal

"Sich nicht mehr kennen"

— To lose control of oneself (due to anger or joy).

Er kannte sich vor Wut nicht mehr.

neutral

Easily Confused

kennen vs wissen

Both translate to 'know' in English.

Wissen is for facts, data, and clauses (Ich weiß, dass...). Kennen is for people, places, and things (Ich kenne ihn).

Ich weiß seine Nummer, aber ich kenne ihn nicht.

kennen vs können

They sound similar to beginners.

Können is a modal verb for ability or possibility. Kennen is a transitive verb for familiarity.

Ich kann Klavier spielen, aber ich kenne dieses Stück nicht.

kennen vs erkennen

They share the same root.

Erkennen is a momentary action (to recognize). Kennen is a continuous state (to be familiar with).

Ich kenne ihn gut, aber im Dunkeln konnte ich ihn nicht erkennen.

kennen vs nennen

They rhyme and look similar.

Nennen means 'to name' or 'to call'. Kennen means 'to know'.

Kannst du mir seinen Namen nennen? Ich kenne ihn nämlich nicht.

kennen vs bekennen

Prefix 'be-' changes the meaning.

Bekennen means 'to confess' or 'to profess'. Kennen is just 'to know'.

Er bekannte sich zu seiner Tat.

Sentence Patterns

Ich kenne [Accusative Object].

Ich kenne den Lehrer.

Kennst du [Accusative Object]?

Kennst du das Lied?

Ich habe [Accusative Object] gekannt.

Ich habe ihn schon früher gekannt.

Wir kennen uns seit [Time].

Wir kennen uns seit drei Jahren.

Ich kenne mich mit [Dative Object] aus.

Ich kenne mich mit Technik aus.

Es ist [Adjective], jemanden kennenzulernen.

Es ist wichtig, neue Freunde kennenzulernen.

Ich erkenne [Accusative Object] an [Dative Object].

Ich erkenne sie an ihren roten Haaren.

Man kennt [Accusative Object] als [Description].

Man kennt ihn als Experten für Umweltrecht.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high. It is in the top 100 most used German verbs.

Common Mistakes

Ich kenne, dass er hier ist. → Ich weiß, dass er hier ist.
You cannot use 'kennen' with a 'dass' clause. Facts require 'wissen'.
Ich kenne Deutsch. → Ich kann Deutsch.
For languages and skills, use 'können'.
Ich kenne der Weg. → Ich kenne den Weg.
'Kennen' requires the accusative case. 'Der Weg' becomes 'den Weg'.
Ich kennte ihn nicht. → Ich kannte ihn nicht.
The simple past of 'kennen' is 'kannte' (mixed verb), not 'kennte'.
Ich habe ihn erkannt. → Ich kenne ihn.
'Erkannt' means you recognized him just now. 'Kenne' means you are familiar with him.

Tips

The Accusative Rule

Always remember that 'kennen' triggers the accusative case. If you're talking about a male person, it's 'den' or 'einen'. 'Ich kenne einen guten Arzt.'

Kennen vs. Wissen

If you can replace 'know' with 'be familiar with', use 'kennen'. If you can replace it with 'have information about', use 'wissen'.

Native Sounding

Use 'Man kennt's' to show you relate to what someone is saying. It's the German equivalent of 'I feel you' or 'Typical!'

Infinitive with 'zu'

When using 'kennenlernen' with 'zu', the 'zu' goes between 'kennen' and 'lernen': 'kennenzulernen'. This is a common spelling mistake.

Bekannte vs. Freunde

In Germany, people you 'kennen' are often 'Bekannte' (acquaintances). Calling someone a 'Freund' implies a much deeper bond.

The 'K' Connection

Associate 'Kennen' with 'Konkret' (concrete things like people and places) and 'Wissen' with 'Wahrheit' (abstract truths and facts).

Mixed Verb Alert

Don't forget the 't' in the past tense. It's 'kannte', not 'kann'. 'Kann' is a form of 'können' (to be able to).

Reflexive Power

Use 'sich kennen' to talk about mutual acquaintances. 'Wir kennen uns' is much more common than 'Ich kenne ihn und er kennt mich'.

Short 'e'

Make sure the 'e' in 'kennen' is short. If you make it long, it sounds like 'Kähnen' (which isn't a word, but sounds wrong).

Prefixes Matter

Learning 'erkennen', 'anerkennen', and 'auskennen' will vastly increase your expressive range using the same root.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Kennen' as 'Kin'. You know your 'Kin' (family) personally. You 'kennen' people you are related to or familiar with.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant 'K' shaped like a person's face. You 'kennen' faces and people.

Word Web

Personen Städte Filme Bücher Gesichter Regeln Wege Lieder

Challenge

Try to list five people, three cities, and two movies you 'kennen' in German right now.

Word Origin

From Middle High German 'kennen', from Old High German 'kennan'. It is related to the Proto-Germanic root '*kannijaną', which is the causative of '*kunnaną' (to know/be able to).

Original meaning: To make known, to cause to know, or to identify.

Germanic (Indo-European)

Cultural Context

Be careful when saying 'Ich kenne ihn gut' in professional settings, as it might imply a personal relationship that could be seen as a conflict of interest.

English speakers often struggle because 'know' covers everything. The closest English equivalent to 'kennen' is 'to be acquainted with'.

Schiller's 'Wallenstein': 'Daran erkenn' ich meine Pappenheimer.' Goethe's 'Faust': 'Wer darf das Kind beim rechten Namen nennen? Die wenigen, die was davon erkannt...' The phrase 'Man kennt sich' is a common trope in German crime dramas (Tatort).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Socializing

Freut mich, dich kennenzulernen.
Woher kennt ihr euch?
Ich kenne ihn von der Arbeit.
Wir kennen uns schon ewig.

Travel

Kennen Sie den Weg?
Ich kenne diese Stadt nicht.
Kennst du ein Hotel?
Ich kenne mich hier nicht aus.

Hobbies/Media

Kennst du dieses Lied?
Ich kenne den Film schon.
Kennst du diesen Autor?
Das Spiel kenne ich nicht.

Work

Kennen Sie dieses Programm?
Ich kenne die neuen Regeln.
Kennen wir den Kunden?
Er kennt sich mit IT aus.

Daily Life

Man kennt das ja.
Ich kenne kein Pardon.
Kennst du die Uhrzeit?
Ich kenne meine Grenzen.

Conversation Starters

"Kennst du ein wirklich gutes italienisches Restaurant in der Stadt?"

"Woher kennst du eigentlich unseren Gastgeber heute Abend?"

"Kennen Sie sich gut mit der Geschichte dieser Stadt aus?"

"Kennst du den neuen Film, der gerade im Kino läuft?"

"Kennen wir uns nicht irgendwoher? Dein Gesicht kommt mir bekannt vor."

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über eine Person, die du schon sehr lange kennst. Wie habt ihr euch kennengelernt?

Welche Stadt kennst du am besten? Beschreibe deine Lieblingsorte dort.

Gibt es ein Buch oder einen Film, den jeder kennen sollte? Warum?

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du dich überhaupt nicht ausgekannt hast.

Was bedeutet es für dich, jemanden wirklich gut zu kennen?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Use 'kennen' for people, places, and things you are familiar with. Use 'wissen' for facts, information, and when you have a subordinate clause starting with 'dass', 'wie', 'wo', etc. For example: 'Ich kenne Berlin' (familiarity) vs. 'Ich weiß, dass Berlin in Deutschland liegt' (fact).

No, it is a 'mixed verb'. It is regular in the present tense (kenne, kennst, kennt), but it changes its stem vowel in the past tense (kannte, gekannt) while keeping the 't' ending of weak verbs.

Usually, no. To say you know a language, use 'können' (Ich kann Deutsch) or 'sprechen' (Ich spreche Deutsch). You only use 'kennen' if you are talking about the language as an object of study or its structure.

It means to be well-versed or to know your way around a specific place or topic. For example, 'Ich kenne mich in dieser Stadt gut aus' means you know the streets and locations well.

The standard phrase is 'Freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen' (formal) or 'Freut mich, dich kennenzulernen' (informal).

Yes, 'kennen' is a transitive verb and always requires a direct object in the accusative case. 'Ich kenne den Mann', 'Ich kenne die Frau', 'Ich kenne das Kind'.

'Kennen' is the state of being familiar with something. 'Erkennen' is the specific moment of recognizing or identifying something. You 'kennst' your friend, and you 'erkennst' them in a crowd.

No, 'kennen' needs an object. If you want to say 'I know' as a general statement of fact, use 'Ich weiß' or 'Ich weiß Bescheid'.

It is a noun meaning 'knowledge of human nature' or 'insight into people'. It describes the ability to judge someone's character correctly.

In the Präteritum: ich kannte, du kanntest, er kannte, wir kannten, ihr kanntet, sie kannten. In the Perfekt: ich habe gekannt.