01
wissen
to know
To have knowledge of a fact or information; to be sure about something.
example
Ich weiß, dass die Prüfung morgen stattfindet.
I know that the exam is taking place tomorrow.
wissen
to know
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Special conjugation
'Wissen' (to know) has an irregular conjugation in the present tense that you have to learn by heart. In the singular, the vowel changes to 'ei': ich weiß, du weißt, er/sie/es weiß.
EXAMPLE
Ich weiß die Antwort leider nicht.
Unfortunately, I don't know the answer.
Use with subordinate clauses
'Wissen' (to know) is very often used with a subordinate clause that describes the information. This subordinate clause is often introduced by 'dass' (that) or by a question word (how, what, where, when).
EXAMPLE
Sie weiß, dass der Zug um 10 Uhr fährt.
She knows that the train leaves at 10 o'clock.
Preposition 'von'
The combination 'wissen von' + dative means that you have heard about something or are informed about its existence. It often expresses less detailed or only superficial knowledge.
EXAMPLE
Ich wusste nichts von seinen Plänen.
I knew nothing about his plans.
Fixed expression
The expression 'Bescheid wissen' is a fixed combination and means 'to be informed'. The noun 'Bescheid' is not declined here and always comes at the end of the phrase.
EXAMPLE
Danke für die E-Mail, jetzt weiß ich Bescheid.
Thanks for the email; now I know what's going on.
Preposition 'um'
The expression 'wissen um' + accusative expresses a deep awareness of a situation, often a danger, a value, or a complex situation. This wording is rather formal and is frequently used in written language.
EXAMPLE
Die Managerin weiß um die Schwierigkeiten des neuen Marktes.
The manager is aware of the difficulties of the new market.
Fixed expression
In the expression 'etwas zu schätzen wissen' (to appreciate something), 'wissen' comes at the end and means 'to value' or 'to be grateful for'. The object that one appreciates is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe gelernt, deine ehrliche Meinung zu schätzen zu wissen.
I have learned to appreciate your honest opinion.
Compare with
wissen vs können
to be able to
'können' and 'wissen' can both have to do with knowledge in your head. But the difference is important: 'wissen' is used for information, facts, or answers. 'können' is used for an ability or something you have learned and can apply, for example a language, a song, or a rule. Learners confuse these words because some languages use the same verb for both. In German, you say: you 'wissen' a piece of information, but you 'können' a skill.
wissen
Wisst ihr schon, wann der Zug nach Hamburg fährt?
Do you already know when the train to Hamburg leaves?
können
Kannst du mir am Morgen beim Aufbau des Regals helfen?
Can you help me assemble the shelf in the morning?
In real life
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