The Difference Between “Savoir” and “Connaître” in French

In French, both “savoir” and “connaître” mean “to know,” but they are used in different contexts. Understanding when to use each verb is important to communicate clearly.

1. Savoir – To Know a Fact or How to Do Something

“Savoir” is used when you’re talking about knowing facts, information, or how to do something. It often answers the question “What?” and can be followed by a question word (who, what, when, where, why, how), a clause, or an infinitive verb (to express knowing how to do something).

Examples of “Savoir”:

• Je sais que Paris est la capitale de la France.
  (I know that Paris is the capital of France.)
• Elle sait parler espagnol.
  (She knows how to speak Spanish.)
• Sais-tu où il habite ?
  (Do you know where he lives?)

In these examples, “savoir” expresses knowledge of a fact (Paris is the capital), a skill (speaking Spanish), or specific information (where someone lives).

Extra verb:

Notice also that each of the examples above contain an extra verb (est, parler, habite) other than savoir, somewhere in the rest of the sentence.

2. Connaître – To Know Someone or Something Personally

“Connaître” is used when you’re talking about knowing people, places, or things personally or being familiar with them. It answers the question “Who?” or “What?” and is typically followed by a direct object (a person, a place, or a thing).

Examples of “Connaître”:

• Je connais Marie.
  (I know Marie.)
• Il connaît bien Paris.
  (He knows Paris well.)
• Nous connaissons ce film.
  (We know this movie.)

In these examples, “connaître” shows familiarity with a person (Marie), a place (Paris), or a thing (a movie).

No extra verb:

Notice that each of the connaître examples contains a noun (Marie, Paris, film) somewhere after the verb connaître, but no additional verbs. This distinguishes it from savoir, which generally has an extra verb in the sentence.

How to Remember the Difference

• Use “savoir” when you know facts, information, or how to do something. Think of it as “knowing about” something. There will usually be an additional verb other than savoir in the sentence.
• Use “connaître” when you know or are familiar with people, places, or things. Think of it as “being acquainted with” something or someone. It is unlikely there will be any more verbs in the sentence after connaître, unless you are constructing a more complex sentence for other reasons.

Quick Comparison:

• Savoir: I know how to swim. (Je sais nager.)
• Connaître: I know this lake. (Je connais ce lac.)