Common Mistakes in German Kennen – wissen Both verbs transl | Learn German with Leo🦁

Common Mistakes in German

Kennen – wissen
Both verbs translate into English as "to know", which can be confusing.

The verb KENNEN means "to be familiar with something or someone personally, from one's own experience", and is most often used with a direct object KENNEN + OBJEKT.

Ich kenne diesen Mann — I know this man

Ich kenne den Weg, ich war schon dort — I know the way, I've been there before.

The verb WISSEN is used when you know a fact or unverified information. It is often used in subordinate clauses "Ich weiss, dass…"

Ich weiß, dass ich nichts weiß — I know that I know nothing

Können – dürfen
Both verbs translate into English as "can".

KÖNNEN covers:

— Physical and mental abilities of a person.

Ich kann schwimmen — I can swim

— The likelihood, possibility, or impossibility of events:

Das kann jedem passieren — this can happen to anyone

DÜRFEN is needed to allow, forbid, and ask for permission.

Man darf hier nicht rauchen — smoking is not allowed here

Müssen – sollen
You can use MÜSSEN if you:

— Are a boss dealing with subordinates or a parent raising rebellious kids:

Du musst ja diese Aufgabe sofort machen! — You must do this task right away!

— Are trying to awaken your conscience (internal necessity):

Ich muss mehr lesen um neue Kenntnisse zu erwerben. — I need to read more to acquire new knowledge.

— Strongly and emotionally recommend something to a friend:

Der neue Film ist einfach toll! Du musst diesen Film angucken! — This new film is simply great! You must watch it!

SOLLEN is suitable for you in the following cases:

— Irreplaceable in communication with colleagues, as it helps to express in a soft and understandable form what you want from them:

Du sollst diesen Brief jetzt schreiben. — You should write this letter.

— If circumstances (work, study, etc.) are stronger than you, and you have to do it one way or another:

Ich soll morgens früh aufstehen, weil mein Studium um 8 beginnt. — I have to get up early because my studies begin at 8 o'clock.

— Help people with advice and recommendations:

Du sollst mehr lesen. — You should read more.

Möchten – wollen
Any self-respecting German, if they want something to eat or drink, will most likely tell you:

Ich möchte eine Tasse Tee/ein Glas Bier. — I would like (to drink) a cup of tea/a glass of beer

A German will also use the verb MÖCHTEN to hint at you that they want to do something:

Ich möchte heute ins Theater gehen. — I would like to go to the theater today

The verb WOLLEN has a stronger emotional connotation, so the sentence:

"Ich will eine Tasse Tee" will cast your thought in an imperative tone.

If you're very thirsty for something, feel free to arm yourself with the verb WOLLEN:

Ich will eine neue Wohnung kaufen. — I want to buy a new apartment.

The verb WOLLEN will also suit you if you decide to talk about your future plans, for example:

Ich will meinen Urlaub in Afrika verbringen. — I want to spend my next vacation in Africa.

Stehen – stellen, legen – liegen, sich setzen – sitzen, hängen – hängen

Remember:

Stehen (wo?) + Dat (stand, gestanden) – to stand
Stellen (wohin?) + Akk (stellte, gestellt) – to put

Liegen (wo?) + Dat (lag, gelegen) – to lie
Legen (wohin?) + Akk (legte, gelegt) – to lay

Sitzen (wo?) + Dat (sass, gesessen) – to sit
Sich setzen (wohin?) + Akk (setzte, gesetzt) – to sit down

Hängen (wo?) + Dat (hing, gehangen) – to hang
Hängen (wohin?) + Akk (hängte, gehängt) - to hang