Norwegian word choices
Vet vs kjenner: two ways to say “know”
Vet means knowing information. Kjenner can mean being familiar with a person or place. Try choosing the word that fits each situation.
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Four practice notes
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Situations, answers and short explanations.
Prompt
You checked a map and know where the library is. Jeg ___ hvor biblioteket ligger. Choose vet or kjenner.
Answer and explanation
Jeg vet hvor biblioteket ligger. I know where the library is. Information you know: use vet.
Prompt
You have met the teacher several times and know her personally. Jeg ___ den nye læreren. Choose vet or kjenner.
Answer and explanation
Jeg kjenner den nye læreren. I know the new teacher. Personal familiarity: use kjenner.
Prompt
You read the invitation. The meeting starts at nine. Jeg ___ at møtet begynner klokka ni. Choose vet or kjenner.
Answer and explanation
Jeg vet at møtet begynner klokka ni. I know that the meeting starts at nine. A fact you know: use vet.
Prompt
You lived in this city for years and know it well. Jeg ___ byen godt. Choose vet or kjenner.
Answer and explanation
Jeg kjenner byen godt. I know the city well. Familiarity with a place: use kjenner.
The difference
Vet: information you know. Jeg vet hvor biblioteket ligger (I know where the library is).
Kjenner: personal familiarity. Jeg kjenner bibliotekaren (I know the librarian).
Knowing a fact about someone does not mean knowing them personally. Vet comes from å vite; kjenner from å kjenne, which can also mean feel or sense.
See NTNU’s explanation of kjenne, kunne and vite for the grammar behind this distinction. Practice examples are original.