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.
knowledge / awareness
Awareness of or being informed about a particular fact or matter. Usually used in the singular in formal contexts.
Wir haben erst heute von dem Vorfall Kenntnis erhalten.
We only became aware of the incident today.
to take note
To consciously register and take note of a piece of information, often without directly commenting on it or reacting to it.
Ich habe Ihre E-Mail erhalten und den Inhalt zur Kenntnis genommen.
I have received your email and taken note of its contents.
to inform
To inform someone about something; to communicate information to someone.
Bitte setzen Sie mich über alle weiteren Entwicklungen in Kenntnis.
Please keep me informed of any further developments.
'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.
to know
Wissen and Kenntnis both refer to knowledge in a particular area, but they are often used in different combinations. Wissen is more suitable for general or theoretical information, while Kenntnisse, usually in the plural, refers to learned skills in a particular area.
Für die Arbeit brauche ich gute Kenntnisse in deutscher Geschichte.
For the job, I need good knowledge of German history.
Ich weiß viel über die Geschichte dieser Stadt.
I know a lot about the history of this city.
