To know (kende vs. vide)

Two Ways to "Know"

In English, we use the same word whether we know a person or know a fact. Danish splits this into two distinct verbs: kende and vide.

  • Use kende for people, places, and things (to be acquainted or familiar with).
  • Use vide for facts, information, and clauses (especially with question words like hvad, hvor, hvorfor, or om).

The present tense of vide is highly irregular: ved.

I know the man, but I do not know what he is called.
Jeg kender manden, men jeg ved ikke hvad han hedder.

Knowing People and Places

Use kende to talk about familiar places and people:

They do not know the new neighborhood.
De kender ikke det nye kvarter.
The woman is a stranger, so we do not know her.
Kvinden er en fremmed, så vi kender hende ikke.

Knowing Facts and Information

Use ved for stating facts or before question words:

She knows everything about science and geography.
Hun ved alt om videnskab og geografi.
Do they know what the question means?
Ved de hvad spørgsmålet betyder?

Being "Known" (Famous)

The adjective kendt (famous or well-known) comes directly from kende. Like other adjectives, it takes an -e ending with definite articles (den kendte).

Do you know the famous president?
Kender du den kendte præsident?
I do not know if the actor is famous.
Jeg ved ikke om skuespilleren er kendt.
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