Session 3, Activity 1
Activity 1 – exploring the verb ‘to know’
In many cases, there are differences in the way individual words are translated into another language. Typically, one word in one language might be translated in two different ways to reflect different meanings. For example, recognising the difference between savoir and connaître in French, between saber and conocer in Spanish, and between wissen and kennen in German.
It is useful because it helps you choose the correct translation of the English word ‘to know’ based on the context.
Now follow the three steps below.
Step 1
Input the English sentences below into OMT for a French, German or Spanish translation.
- I do not know the US president.
- He knows nothing.
- They know my cousin.
- I know that the world is round.
- Do you know Joe Biden?
- She knows how to play the piano.
- Do you know how this works?
- Do we know which bus to catch?
- Do you know the time?
- Do you know which day is today?
- Do they know that the shop is closed?
- I do not know her.
- He does not know her name.
- You do not know yet.
- It is not known yet.
- We do not know the rules.
- They do not know anyone here.
- Do they know the name of their teacher?
Step 2
Read and analyse the translated sentences.
Step 3
Depending which language you have chosen to translate into:
- What is the rule regarding the use of savoir and connaitre?
- What is the rule regarding the use of wissen and kennen?
- What is the rule regarding the use of saber and conocer?
Discussion
Knowing the correct translation not only of a word, but of a particular meaning that word has in different contexts, is essential for ensuring precise and accurate communication and achieving fluency and proficiency. Understanding the distinction helps you in choosing the correct verb based on the context of what you are trying to express.
In French, savoir and connaitre both mean ‘to know’, but they are used in different contexts. Savoir is used for knowing facts, information, or how to do something. It answers the question 'What do you know?' or 'How do you know how to do this?'. For example, ‘Je sais la réponse’ means ‘I know the answer’. Connaitre is used for knowing or being familiar with people, places, or things. It answers the question 'Who/What are you familiar with?'. For example, ‘Je connais ce restaurant’ means ‘I know this restaurant’.
Savoir is often followed by subordinate clauses, such as que (that) or by an infinitive verb (e.g. sais que..., sais comment...). Connaitre is followed by a direct object (a person, a place, or a thing) and refers to familiarity or recognition.
In German, wissen and kennen both mean ‘to know,’ but they are used in different contexts. Wissen is used for knowing facts, information, or how to do something. For example, ‘Ich weiß die Antwort’ means ‘I know the answer.’ Wissen is often followed by subordinate clauses or infinitives. Kennen is used for knowing or being familiar with people, places, or things. For example, ‘Ich kenne dieses Restaurant’ means ‘I know this restaurant.’ Kennen is followed by a direct object (people, places, things). Wir kennen die Stadt sehr gut. (We know the city very well.)
In Spanish, saber and conocer both mean ‘to know,’ but they are used in different contexts. Saber is used for knowing facts, information, or how to do something and is often followed by clauses starting with 'que' or infinitive verbs (e.g. sé que..., sé cómo...). For example, ‘Sé la respuesta’ means ‘I know the answer.’ Conocer is used for knowing or being familiar with people, places, or things and is also often used when meeting someone for the first time (e.g. Encantado de conocerte means ‘Nice to meet you’).
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