kennenlernen
Meaning and Usage
"Kennenlernen" is a German verb that means "to get to know" or "to meet for the first time." It is often used in the context of meeting new people, making new acquaintances, or getting to know someone or something better.
Linguistic Analysis
The word "kennenlernen" is a combination of two verbs: "kennen" (to know) and "lernen" (to learn). It is a separable verb, so in sentences, the prefix "kennen" is often separated from the root "lernen" in certain tenses or when used with modal verbs.
Comparisons between German and English
The German verb "kennenlernen" is similar in meaning to the English phrase "to get to know," though the German language uses a compound word for this concept.
Cultural Context
In German-speaking countries, "kennenlernen" is an important aspect of social interaction, as getting to know others and forming relationships is highly valued.
Example Sentences
- Ich möchte dich gerne besser kennenlernen. (I would like to get to know you better.)
- Wir haben uns gestern kennengelernt. (We met each other yesterday.)
Memory Tips
You can remember "kennenlernen" by associating "kennen" with "knowing" and "lernen" with "learning," essentially coming to "learning to know" someone or something.
Additional Vocabulary
- sich treffen (to meet)
- die Bekanntschaft (acquaintance)
- der/die Fremde (stranger)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
- Gender: N/A (kennenlernen is a verb)
- Plural: N/A
Conjugation (for verbs)
Present tense conjugation:
- ich lerne kennen (I get to know)
- du lernst kennen (you get to know)
- er/sie/es lernt kennen (he/she/it gets to know)
- wir lernen kennen (we get to know)
- ihr lernt kennen (you (pl.) get to know)
- sie lernen kennen (they get to know)
Note: In the present perfect tense, the verb is separable, and the prefix "kennen" goes to the end of the sentence.
- Ich habe dich gestern kennengelernt. (I got to know you yesterday.)