kennenlernen
to meet
To meet a person for the first time and get a first impression of them.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe meinen besten Freund in der Schule kennengelernt.
I met my best friend at school.
kennenlernen
to get to know
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Meanings
kennenlernen
to get to know
To become familiar with a thing, place, or topic; to gain initial experience with it.
EXAMPLE
In meinem Praktikum lerne ich die verschiedenen Abteilungen des Unternehmens kennen.
In my internship, I am getting to know the company's different departments.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Kennenlernen' (to get to know) is a separable verb. The prefix 'kennen' separates from the stem 'lernen' in a main clause and goes to the end of the sentence. In the infinitive and in subordinate clauses, it is written as one word.
EXAMPLE
Ich lerne heute deine Familie kennen.
I am getting to know your family today.
Always with accusative
The verb 'kennenlernen' (to get to know) always needs a direct object in the accusative. You ask: whom or what am I getting to know?
EXAMPLE
Auf der Reise habe ich viele interessante Menschen kennengelernt.
On the trip, I met many interesting people.
Context clue
You can tell whether a person or a thing is meant from the object. 'Jemanden kennenlernen' (to get to know someone) refers to a person, while 'etwas kennenlernen' (to get to know something) refers to places, topics, or new activities.
EXAMPLE
Im Urlaub möchte ich die lokale Kultur kennenlernen.
On vacation, I want to get to know the local culture.
Compare with
kennenlernen vs treffen
to meet / to hit
Both words can describe a personal encounter. treffen generally says that you come together with someone, even if you already know the person; kennenlernen emphasizes that this results in a first personal impression or initial acquaintance. Use kennenlernen for first contact and treffen for later arrangements to meet.
kennenlernen
Am Samstag lerne ich meine neue Kollegin beim ersten gemeinsamen Kaffee kennen.
On Saturday, I’ll meet my new colleague for the first time over coffee.
treffen
Am Samstag treffe ich meine neue Kollegin noch einmal zum Kaffee.
On Saturday, I’m meeting my new colleague for coffee again.
In real life
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