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.
The difference
Vet is the present tense of å vite. Use it for information you know: Jeg vet hvor biblioteket ligger means you know where the library is.
Kjenner is the present tense of å kjenne. It can express personal familiarity: Jeg kjenner bibliotekaren means you know the librarian.
Knowing about someone is not the same as knowing them
You might know that a teacher works at a school without ever meeting them. Jeg vet at hun jobber på skolen states information. Jeg kjenner henne says you are familiar with her.
These examples focus on facts, people and places. Kjenne can also mean feel or sense. For skills, Norwegian often uses kan, as in Jeg kan svømme (I can swim). That is a different distinction.
See NTNU’s explanation of kjenne, kunne and vite for the grammar behind this distinction. The situations and practice notes here are original examples.
Four practice notes
Keep these examples for learning
Each note keeps the situation, sentence and explanation together.
Prompt
You have checked a map and know the library’s location. Jeg ___ hvor biblioteket ligger. Choose vet or kjenner.
Answer and explanation
Jeg vet hvor biblioteket ligger. I know where the library is. This is information about a location. Use vet before the clause explaining what you know.
Prompt
You have met the new 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. The situation is about personal familiarity with someone, so use kjenner.
Prompt
You have read the invitation and know 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. The at-clause gives a fact you know. Use vet, rather than the word for personal familiarity.
Prompt
You lived in this city for years and are familiar with its streets and neighbourhoods. Jeg ___ byen godt. Choose vet or kjenner.
Answer and explanation
Jeg kjenner byen godt. I know the city well. You are describing familiarity gained from experience of a place. Use kjenner.