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What do German words kennen<\/em> and wissen<\/em><\/a>, Spanish words \u200b\u200bsaber<\/em> and conocer<\/em><\/a>, and French words savoir<\/em> and conna\u00eetre<\/em> have in common? They all mean \u201cto know\u201d. Indeed, when you translate \u201cknow\u201d into different languages, there are often two different verbs, with slightly different meanings. While it may seem confusing at first glance, you\u2019ll quickly discover when to use savoir<\/em> vs. conna\u00eetre<\/em> in French, depending on the context.<\/p>\n When we first learn the difference between savoir<\/em> and conna\u00eetre<\/em>, we are usually given a very basic explanation:<\/p>\n \u201cSavoir quelque chose\u201d means \u201cto know something\u201d and \u201cconna\u00eetre quelqu\u2019un ou quelque chose\u201d means \u201cto know someone or something\u201d.<\/p>\n Although it might be a good starting point, it is an oversimplification; it correctly shows that we cannot use savoir<\/em> to talk about knowing people, but leaves us wondering which one to use in other contexts, for example, when talking about knowledge of things and facts?<\/p>\n Most dictionaries will tell you that the verb savoir<\/em> <\/a>means \u201cto have knowledge of something\u201d. In reality, it refers to an in-depth knowledge of facts, as well as expressing abilities and skills.<\/p>\n The conna\u00eetre<\/em> conjugation<\/a> is usually used for people, places, experiences and concepts. It indicates a personal acquaintance or experience. It can be used for less in-depth knowledge, such as if you want to say \u201cto be familiar with\u201d.<\/p>\n Grammatically speaking, the verb savoir<\/em> can be an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn\u2019t need a direct object, but it can also be transitive. It is often followed by a subordinate clause or an infinitive verb. A subordinate clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, for example que<\/em>\/ qui<\/em>\/ o\u00f9<\/em>\/ quand<\/em>\/ pourquoi<\/em>\/ comment<\/em>\/ si.<\/p>\n For example, we often use \u201cje sais que\u2026\u201d meaning \u201cI know that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The verb conna\u00eetre<\/em>, on the other hand, is never followed by a verb or a subordinate clause. Instead, it is usually followed by a person, place, object or any other noun. This is because it\u2019s a transitive verb, meaning that it requires a direct object in order for the sentence to make sense.<\/p>\n Here are some example sentences which show the subtle differences between savoir<\/em> and conna\u00eetre<\/em>:<\/p>\n The best way to fully comprehend the difference between two very similar verbs is to practice using them and to see them used in context. Here are some example sentences to help you understand the different uses of each verb.<\/p>\n<\/a>The difference between savoir<\/em> vs. conna\u00eetre<\/em><\/h2>\n
<\/a>Savoir<\/em> meaning in French<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Conna\u00eetre<\/em> meaning in French<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>The grammatical difference between savoir<\/em> vs. conna\u00eetre<\/em><\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Savoir<\/em> vs. conna\u00eetre<\/em> examples<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Savoir<\/em> examples<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Conna\u00eetre<\/em> examples<\/h3>\n
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