The idea
Use Kenntnisse for knowledge or skills in particular areas. Use Wissen for knowledge as a body of information or understanding. Read the complete sentence before choosing: the object, situation, time reference and relationship between speakers can determine the better expression. Where the meanings overlap, both can be possible with a different emphasis. The reference table states the senses taught here; other dictionary senses may require a different translation.
| Expression | Meaning in comparison |
|---|---|
| Kenntnisse | Kenntnisse betreffen häufig bestimmte Fachgebiete oder Fertigkeiten. |
| Wissen | Wissen bezeichnet das, was jemand weiß. |
Examples
- Für die Stelle sind gute Deutschkenntnisse wichtig.Good German skills are important for the position.
- Das Buch vermittelt Wissen über die Stadtgeschichte.The book provides knowledge about the city's history.
- Sie besitzt praktische Kenntnisse in der Bildbearbeitung.She has practical knowledge of image editing.
- Dieses Wissen kann uns bei der Planung helfen.This knowledge can help us with planning.
- Meine Kenntnisse in diesem Programm sind noch begrenzt.My knowledge of this program is still limited.
- Die Dokumentation bündelt das Wissen des gesamten Teams.The documentation brings together the knowledge of the whole team.
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Watch out
Kenntnisse is commonly plural; Wissen is normally uncountable in this meaning.
Try it yourself
What does “Kenntnisse” mean in the first example sentence? Explain how it differs from the meaning of “Wissen”.
Show answer or example answer
Kenntnisse betreffen häufig bestimmte Fachgebiete oder Fertigkeiten. Wissen bezeichnet das, was jemand weiß.
Kenntnisse matches knowledge or skills in particular areas; the German definition gives the intended sense.
Explain the choice of word in this sentence. What meaning would the other expression have? Das Buch vermittelt Wissen über die Stadtgeschichte.
Show answer or example answer
Wissen: Wissen bezeichnet das, was jemand weiß.
Das Buch vermittelt Wissen über die Stadtgeschichte. uses Wissen for knowledge as a body of information or understanding. The answer depends on this context, not only on the spelling of the word.
Write a separate sentence for each expression. Use “Kenntnisse” and “Wissen” in different situations.
Show answer or example answer
Mögliche Lösungen: Sie besitzt praktische Kenntnisse in der Bildbearbeitung. Dieses Wissen kann uns bei der Planung helfen.
The model pair keeps the meanings separate: Kenntnisse expresses knowledge or skills in particular areas, whereas Wissen expresses knowledge as a body of information or understanding. Other original sentences are possible if their context supports the chosen sense.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
What does “Kenntnisse” mean in the first example sentence? Explain how it differs from the meaning of “Wissen”.
Kenntnisse betreffen häufig bestimmte Fachgebiete oder Fertigkeiten. Wissen bezeichnet das, was jemand weiß.
Explain the choice of word in this sentence. What meaning would the other expression have? Das Buch vermittelt Wissen über die Stadtgeschichte.
Wissen: Wissen bezeichnet das, was jemand weiß.
Write a separate sentence for each expression. Use “Kenntnisse” and “Wissen” in different situations.
Mögliche Lösungen: Sie besitzt praktische Kenntnisse in der Bildbearbeitung. Dieses Wissen kann uns bei der Planung helfen.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe two real situations from your day, using Kenntnisse in one and Wissen in the other. Underline the detail that makes the chosen meaning appropriate. If both expressions could fit, explain the change in emphasis rather than marking the alternative automatically wrong.