die  Kenntnis

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkɛnʔnɪs/

🧠 What does "die Kenntnis" mean?

Die Kenntnis (noun, feminine) refers to the knowledge or awareness of a specific matter, fact, or person. It can relate to theoretical knowledge, practical skills, or simply being informed.

• Knowledge/Awareness: Having information about something. Example: Seine Kenntnis der deutschen Geschichte ist beeindruckend. (His knowledge of German history is impressive.)
• Information (often plural - Kenntnisse): Specific information or skills in an area. Example: Sie hat gute Kenntnisse in Mathematik. (She has good knowledge/skills in mathematics.)
• Zur Kenntnis nehmen: A common phrase meaning to take note of something, to acknowledge receipt of information.

⚠️ Caution: Although 'Kenntnis' often seems interchangeable with 'Wissen' (knowledge), 'Kenntnis' tends to emphasize awareness or being informed about specific facts, while 'Wissen' is often broader and deeper.

🧐 Grammar of "die Kenntnis" in Detail

The noun "Kenntnis" is feminine. The article is therefore die. It is frequently used in the singular or plural ('Kenntnisse') when referring to specific areas of knowledge or skills.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Ich nehme Ihre Anmerkung zur Kenntnis. (I take note of your comment. - Accusative, Singular)
2. Er handelte nach bestem Wissen und ohne Kenntnis der wahren Umstände. (He acted to the best of his knowledge and without knowledge of the true circumstances. - Genitive, Singular - following 'ohne')
3. Ihre umfangreichen Kenntnisse im Bereich der IT sind sehr gefragt. (Her extensive knowledge/skills in IT are in high demand. - Nominative, Plural)
4. Wir danken Ihnen für die Weitergabe Ihrer wertvollen Kenntnisse. (We thank you for sharing your valuable knowledge/skills. - Accusative, Plural)

💡 How to use "Kenntnis"

"Kenntnis" is often used in more formal contexts, especially in written language, legal, or business settings.

• Zur Kenntnis nehmen: A very common phrase meaning to take note, to acknowledge. Example: Bitte nehmen Sie die neuen Richtlinien zur Kenntnis. (Please take note of the new guidelines.)
• In Kenntnis setzen: Means to inform someone about something. Example: Ich werde Sie über die Ergebnisse in Kenntnis setzen. (I will inform you about the results.)
• Kenntnis haben von etwas: Means to have knowledge of something, to be aware of something. Example: Haben Sie Kenntnis von diesem Vorfall? (Do you have knowledge of/Are you aware of this incident?)
• Nach meiner Kenntnis: A phrase used to express that one is speaking to the best of one's knowledge. Example: Nach meiner Kenntnis ist das Büro heute geschlossen. (To my knowledge, the office is closed today.)
• Kenntnisse (Plural): Often refers to skills or knowledge in a specific subject area. Example: Erweiterte Sprachkenntnisse sind erforderlich. (Advanced language skills are required.) Gute Computerkenntnisse. (Good computer skills.)

Compared to "Wissen", "Kenntnis" is often more specific, referring to being informed about particular facts or circumstances.

🗝️ Mnemonics for "die Kenntnis"

• Article Mnemonic

  Imagine Diana (a female name starting with 'Di' like 'die') sharing her Kenntnis (knowledge) with you. She gives you *the* crucial piece of information, hence *die* Kenntnis.

• Meaning Mnemonic

  Kenntnis sounds a bit like the English word "ken" (as in 'beyond my ken', meaning beyond my knowledge or understanding) mixed with "notice". If something is within your *ken* and you *notice* it, you have *Kenntnis* of it. It comes from the German verb *kennen* (to know someone/something). If you *kennen* something, you have *Kenntnis* of it.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

🚨 Risk of Confusion?

Although similar, "Kenntnis" is not always identical to "Wissen". "Kenntnis" often refers to more specific information or awareness thereof, while "Wissen" can imply a more comprehensive level of education or experience.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Informatiker Probleme immer zur Kenntnis, aber lösen sie nicht sofort?

Weil sie erst einmal prüfen müssen, ob es ein Feature oder ein Bug ist! 😉

(Why do IT specialists always take note of problems but don't solve them immediately? Because first, they have to check if it's a feature or a bug!)

📜 Poem about Kenntnis

Die Kenntnis, ein Licht so klar,
Macht Dunkelheit zum Wunderbar.
Sie wächst mit jedem Tag,
Vertreibt die Zweifel, nie versag'.

Von Fakten fein gesponnen,
Hat mancher Kampf gewonnen.
Die Kenntnis, still und tief,
Ein Schatz, der in uns schlief.

(Knowledge, a light so clear,
Turns darkness wonderfully dear.
It grows with every day,
Drives doubt away, does not betray.)

(Finely spun from facts so true,
Many battles have been won through.
Knowledge, silent and deep,
A treasure that within us sleep.)

🕵️‍♀️ Little Riddle

Ich bin kein Buch, doch voller Lehr'.
Ich bin kein Licht, doch mach' das Dunkel leer.
Man nimmt mich wahr, man setzt in mich,
Wer etwas weiß, der hat oft mich.

Was bin ich? (I am no book, yet full of lore.
I am no light, yet make the dark no more.
I'm taken note of, you're put in me,
Who knows a thing, often has me.)

(Answer: die Kenntnis / knowledge, awareness)

🧩 More about Kenntnis

Word Formation

The word "Kenntnis" is derived from the verb "kennen" (to know) with the suffix "-nis". This suffix is often used to form nouns from verbs or adjectives, describing a state, result, or process (e.g., Ergebnis - result, Geheimnis - secret, Finsternis - darkness).

Kenntnisstand

A related term is "der Kenntnisstand" (state of knowledge), which describes the current level of knowledge or information at a specific point in time. Example: Mein Kenntnisstand zu diesem Thema ist veraltet. (My state of knowledge on this topic is outdated.)