das  Kennwort

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkɛnˌvɔʁt/

🔑 What exactly is a Kennwort?

The German word das Kennwort (neuter gender) refers to a secret sequence of characters (letters, numbers, special symbols) used for authentication or identification. You need it to gain access to protected systems, data, or areas.

Essentially, it's a 'Wort' (word) that one must 'kennen' (know) to identify oneself.

🚨 Important Note: Often, 'Kennwort' is used synonymously with 'Passwort' (password), which is the more common and precise term in a technical context.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Corner: das Kennwort

The noun 'Kennwort' is neuter, so it uses the article 'das'. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

• Bitte geben Sie Ihr Kennwort ein, um sich anzumelden. (Please enter your password to log in.)
• Ich habe mein Kennwort vergessen und kann nicht auf mein Konto zugreifen. (I forgot my password and cannot access my account.)
• Die Sicherheit des Systems hängt von der Stärke der Kennwörter ab. (The security of the system depends on the strength of the passwords.)
• Das Kennwort für das WLAN steht auf der Rückseite des Routers. (The password for the Wi-Fi is on the back of the router.)

🗣️ How to Use 'Kennwort'?

'Kennwort' is primarily used in the context of security and access control. It's a slightly more formal or general term than 'Passwort', but they are often used interchangeably.

• Typical Contexts: Login processes (computers, websites, apps), access to protected documents, identification in certain situations (e.g., historically in the military as a 'Losung' or parole word).
• Common Verbs: ein Kennwort eingeben (to enter), vergessen (to forget), ändern (to change), benötigen (to need), wählen (to choose), schützen (to protect).
• Difference from 'Passwort': In everyday language and especially in IT, 'Passwort' is more common. 'Kennwort' can sometimes refer to a more general identifier, not just for digital systems.

💡 Mnemonics for 'das Kennwort'

Article Mnemonic: Think of das Secret. A password (Kennwort) is like a little secret you need to know. 'Das Secret' -> 'Das Kennwort'. Neutral things like secrets often take 'das'.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you need to know (kennen) the magic word (Wort) to pass. You need the Kenn-Wort.

🔄 Synonyms & Similar Words

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Computer sein Kennwort vergessen?

(Why did the computer forget its password?)

Er hatte einen Festplattencrash im Gedächtnis!

(It had a hard drive crash in its memory!) 😉

📜 Poem about the Kennwort

Ein kleines Wort, geheim und schlau,
(A little word, secret and clever,)
man braucht es hier, man braucht es Aue.
(You need it here, you need it there.)
Es schützt die Daten, groß und klein,
(It protects the data, big and small,)
lässt nur den Wissenden hinein.
(Lets only the knowledgeable one in.)
Gib's niemals preis, halt es versteckt,
(Never reveal it, keep it hidden,)
das Kennwort, das den Zugang weckt.
(The password that awakens access.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Wort, doch sprech' ich nicht.
(I am a word, but I don't speak.)
Ich bin ein Schlüssel, doch pass' in kein Schloss schlicht.
(I am a key, but fit in no simple lock.)
Ich öffne Türen in der digitalen Welt,
(I open doors in the digital world,)
wer mich vergisst, ist oft gequält.
(Who forgets me, is often tormented.)

Was bin ich? (What am I?)

Solution: Das Kennwort (The password/keyword)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition

The word 'Kennwort' is a compound noun, composed of:

• kennen: to know, to be able to identify.
• Wort: word.

So it literally means a 'word for knowing' or 'word one must know'.

Security Advice

A good Kennwort should be long, contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, and be changed regularly.