1. Point de départ
The verbs savoir and connaître both mean to know. The verb you use will depend on the context.
Savoir
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2. Use the verb savoir to say you know factual information.
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3. While talking about facts, the verb savoir may often be followed by que, qui, où, quand, comment, or pourquoi.
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4. Use the verb savoir to say how to do something.
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5. The forms of savoir are regular in the imparfait
The forms of savoir are regular in the imparfait. The past participle of savoir is su. When used in the passé composé, savoir implies to find out or to discover.
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6. Connaître
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7. Use the verb connaître to say that you know, have a knowledge of, or are familiar with people.
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8. Use the verb connaître to say that you know, have a knowledge of, or are familiar with places or things.
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9. The forms of connaître are regular in the imparfait
The forms of connaître are regular in the imparfait. The past participle of connaître is connu. When used in the passé composé, connaître has a special connotation. It means met (for the first time).
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10. Reconnaître means to recognize
Reconnaître means to recognize. It follows the same conjugation pattern as connaître.
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11. Essayez. Complétez les phrases avec les formes
Essayez! Complétez les phrases avec les formes correctes des verbes savoir et connaître.
1. Je __________ de bons restaurants.
5. Nous ne __________ pas Jacques.
2. Ils ne __________ pas parler allemand.
6. Caroline __________ jouer aux échecs.
3. Vous __________ faire du cheval.
7. Vous ne __________ pas cet artiste?
4. Tu __________ une bonne coiffeuse?
8. Nous __________ faire le ménage.
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