Savoir vs. Connaître - How to know the difference?

Unlike the English language where one verb 'to know' is sufficient, it can be quite difficult to remember which one to use in French.

 

So here are some simple rules to get you started!

Firstly, let's look at the uses for savoir:

1. With qui, que, pourquoi, quand, où, comment...

eg: Je sais où il habite, Tu sais quand elle arrive?

2. With an infinitive...

eg: Je sais nager.

3. Alone as a response...

eg: Où est Marie? - Je ne sais pas! 

 

Now let's look at some of the uses of connaître:

1. In reference to a place...

eg: Je connais un bon restaurant, Tu connais Paris?

2. In reference to a person...

eg: Vous connaissez François? Je ne connais pas ce cinéaste.

 

Keep these rules in mind!

Answered by Jamie A. French tutor

2911 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the rules for forming the passe compose/perfect tense using avoir and etre?


What's the difference between imperfect and perfect?


Qu’est-ce que tu fais pour aider l’environnement?


How is the conditional used in French?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences