knowledge
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knowledge / skills
The knowledge or skills that one has in a particular field. Very often used in the plural (Kenntnisse).
Für diese Stelle sind gute Englischkenntnisse erforderlich.
Good English skills are required for this position.
'Die Kenntnis' (knowledge) is derived directly from the verb 'kennen' (to know). It describes the state of knowing something or someone, or of being informed about something.
Ich kenne diesen Autor sehr gut und habe Kenntnis von all seinen Werken.
I know this author very well and am familiar with all his works.
The form of the word reveals the meaning. The plural 'Kenntnisse' is almost always used for skills and learned knowledge. The singular 'die Kenntnis', on the other hand, describes being informed about a single fact.
Er hat ausgezeichnete Computerkenntnisse.
He has excellent computer skills.
In the plural, 'Kenntnisse' is often combined with adjectives such as 'gut' (good), 'fundiert' (well-founded), 'umfassend' (comprehensive), or 'grundlegend' (basic). Common compounds are 'Sprachkenntnisse' (language skills), 'Fachkenntnisse' (specialist knowledge), or 'Computerkenntnisse' (computer skills).
Für den Job braucht man fundierte Fachkenntnisse in der Buchhaltung.
For the job, you need solid specialist knowledge in accounting.
The use of 'Kenntnis' in the singular to express knowledge of a fact is typical of formal written language, especially in official or business contexts.
Der Betriebsrat hat von den Plänen erst spät Kenntnis erlangt.
The works council only became aware of the plans at a late stage.
The expression 'etwas zur Kenntnis nehmen' (to take note of something) is a fixed structure. It means to register a piece of information, often without reacting to it immediately. The thing that one takes note of is in the accusative.
Wir haben Ihre Beschwerde zur Kenntnis genommen und werden sie prüfen.
We have taken note of your complaint and will review it.
The expression 'jemanden in Kenntnis setzen' (to inform someone) follows a fixed pattern: the person being informed is in the accusative. The matter is often connected with 'über' + accusative.
Bitte setzen Sie mich über das Ergebnis in Kenntnis.
Please inform me of the result.
information
'Information' and 'Kenntnis' both belong to the area of knowledge. 'Information' more often means something you receive or pass on, for example a fact or an answer. 'Kenntnis' more often means that someone knows something or is able to do something. In the plural, 'Kenntnisse' is often about skills, for example 'Sprachkenntnisse' (language skills). In the singular, 'Kenntnis' often sounds more formal, as in 'keine Kenntnis von etwas haben' (to have no knowledge of something). The words can be confusing because information can lead to knowledge. But 'Information' is more the content, while 'Kenntnis' is more the state of knowing.
Bei der Bewerbung sind gute Kenntnisse in Englisch ein Vorteil.
When applying, good English skills are an advantage.
Du bekommst die Information zum Kurs heute noch per E-Mail.
You will receive the information about the course by email today.