Wissen vs. kennen vs. können
The German verbs wissen, kennen, and können can all be translated as to know in certain contexts, which often causes confusion for learners. However, they are not interchangeable and each has a distinct meaning: wissen for facts, kennen for familiarity, and können for ability or skill.
Wissen
A1The verb wissen means to know a fact, a piece of information, or data. It is often used with a subordinate clause (e.g., starting with dass which means that, or question words like wann, wo, wie) or refers to specific, factual information.
Ich weiß, wo der Schlüssel ist.
(I know where the key is.)
Weißt du, wann der Zug ankommt?
(Do you know when the train arrives?)
Er weiß die Antwort nicht.
(He does not know the answer.)
Wir wissen, dass es schwierig ist.
(We know that it is difficult.)
Niemand weiß, warum er gegangen ist.
(Nobody knows why he left.)
Kennen
A1The verb kennen means to be familiar or acquainted with a person, a place, a thing, or a concept. It implies a personal experience or familiarity and is always followed by a direct object (a noun or pronoun).
Ich kenne diesen Mann nicht.
(I do not know this man.)
Kennst du ein gutes Restaurant in der Nähe?
(Do you know a good restaurant nearby?)
Sie kennt die Stadt Berlin sehr gut.
(She knows the city of Berlin very well.)
Wir kennen den Unterschied zwischen diesen Wörtern.
(We know the difference between these words.)
Er kennt das Buch, aber er hat es nicht gelesen.
(He knows of the book, but he has not read it.)
Können
A1The verb können primarily means can or to be able to, expressing an ability, skill, or possibility. When used to mean to know, it refers to knowing a language or a skill that has been learned and mastered to the point of it being an ability.
Er kann sehr gut Deutsch sprechen.
(He can speak German very well.)
Ich kann schwimmen.
(I can swim.)
Sie kann das ganze Gedicht auswendig.
(She knows the whole poem by heart.)
Kannst du die Regeln dieses Spiels?
(Do you know the rules of this game?)
Ich kann den Weg, ich bin ihn schon oft gefahren.
(I know the way, I have driven it many times before.)
Summary
In short: use wissen for facts and information (I know that...). Use kennen for people, places, and things you are familiar with (I know him/this city). Use können for abilities and learned skills (I know how to swim / I know German).