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!

JA
Answered by Jamie A. French tutor

3382 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do we form the pluperfect for regular verbs?


What is the difference between the imperfect tense and the passé composé?


What is the 'immediate future' tense and how do I formulate it?


Quel est ton passe-temps préféré?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences