Kennen vs. Wissen

Attribute	Kennen	Wissen
Meaning	Knowledge through personal experience or familiarity	Knowledge through facts, information, or understanding
Subjectivity	Subjective knowledge	Objective knowledge
Emphasis	Emphasizes personal connection or acquaintance	Emphasizes factual or intellectual understanding
Usage	Used for knowing people, places, or things personally	Used for knowing facts, information, or concepts
Examples	Knowing how to ride a bike, recognizing a familiar face	Knowing the capital of a country, understanding a scientific theory

Introduction

Kennen and Wissen are two distinct concepts that are often used interchangeably due to their similarities. However, it is important to understand the subtle differences between the two. In this article, we will explore the attributes of Kennen and Wissen, highlighting their unique characteristics and shedding light on their individual significance.

Kennen

Kennen, derived from the German word for "to know," refers to knowledge that is acquired through personal experience or direct interaction with a subject. It is often associated with practical knowledge, skills, and expertise gained through hands-on learning. Kennen emphasizes the ability to apply knowledge in real-life situations and is closely tied to familiarity and familiarity-based recognition.

One of the key attributes of Kennen is its contextual nature. It is deeply rooted in specific situations, environments, or circumstances. For example, a chef who knows how to prepare a particular dish by heart has Kennen of that recipe. This type of knowledge is highly specific and may not easily transfer to different contexts.

Kennen is also closely linked to sensory experiences. It involves using our senses to gather information and develop an understanding of the world around us. Through observation, touch, taste, smell, and hearing, we can acquire Kennen. This sensory aspect of Kennen makes it a more tangible and experiential form of knowledge.

Furthermore, Kennen is often associated with procedural knowledge, which refers to knowing how to do something. It involves the step-by-step understanding of a process or skill. For instance, a mechanic who knows how to fix a car engine has Kennen of the necessary procedures and techniques.

In summary, Kennen is characterized by its practicality, contextuality, sensory involvement, and procedural nature. It is knowledge gained through personal experience, hands-on learning, and the ability to apply knowledge effectively in specific situations.

Wissen

Wissen, on the other hand, is derived from the German word for "to know" in the sense of factual knowledge or information. It refers to knowledge that is more abstract, theoretical, and detached from personal experience. Wissen is often associated with declarative knowledge, which involves knowing that something is true or understanding concepts and theories.

Unlike Kennen, Wissen is not tied to specific contexts or situations. It is more general and can be applied across various domains. For example, knowing that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius is a form of Wissen that can be applied in different settings, regardless of the specific circumstances.

Wissen is often acquired through formal education, reading, studying, or being taught by others. It involves the accumulation of facts, theories, principles, and concepts. This type of knowledge is less experiential and more intellectual in nature.

Another attribute of Wissen is its transferability. Unlike Kennen, which is highly context-dependent, Wissen can be shared and communicated more easily. It can be disseminated through books, lectures, or online resources, allowing individuals to acquire knowledge without direct personal experience.

Furthermore, Wissen is often associated with analytical thinking and problem-solving. It enables individuals to understand the underlying principles and mechanisms behind a subject, facilitating a deeper comprehension and the ability to apply knowledge in novel situations.

In summary, Wissen is characterized by its abstract nature, detachment from personal experience, transferability, and emphasis on declarative knowledge. It is acquired through formal education, reading, and the accumulation of facts, theories, and concepts.

Comparison

While Kennen and Wissen share the common goal of acquiring knowledge, they differ in several key aspects. Let's explore the main points of comparison between these two concepts:

1. Nature of Knowledge

Kennen is practical, context-specific, and sensory-based, emphasizing procedural knowledge and hands-on experience. In contrast, Wissen is more abstract, general, and detached from personal experience, focusing on declarative knowledge and theoretical understanding.

2. Contextuality

Kennen is deeply rooted in specific contexts, situations, or environments. It is highly dependent on the circumstances in which it is acquired and may not easily transfer to different settings. On the other hand, Wissen is context-independent and can be applied across various domains, making it more versatile and transferable.

3. Acquisition Methods

Kennen is primarily acquired through personal experience, observation, and hands-on learning. It often involves trial and error, practice, and direct interaction with a subject. Wissen, on the other hand, is acquired through formal education, reading, studying, or being taught by others. It relies more on intellectual engagement and the accumulation of information.

4. Sensory Involvement

Kennen heavily relies on sensory experiences, such as observation, touch, taste, smell, and hearing. These sensory inputs contribute to a more tangible and experiential form of knowledge. In contrast, Wissen is less sensory-based and more intellectual, focusing on abstract concepts and theories.

5. Transferability

Kennen is often difficult to transfer to different contexts due to its strong ties to specific situations. It is highly dependent on personal experience and may not easily apply to unrelated domains. Wissen, on the other hand, is more transferable as it is not bound by context. It can be shared and communicated more easily, allowing individuals to acquire knowledge without direct personal experience.

6. Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking

While both Kennen and Wissen contribute to problem-solving, they approach it from different angles. Kennen emphasizes practical problem-solving, drawing on procedural knowledge and hands-on experience. Wissen, on the other hand, focuses on analytical thinking and understanding the underlying principles and mechanisms behind a subject, enabling individuals to solve problems through theoretical knowledge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kennen and Wissen are two distinct forms of knowledge that have their own unique attributes and significance. Kennen is practical, context-specific, and sensory-based, emphasizing procedural knowledge gained through personal experience. Wissen, on the other hand, is abstract, general, and detached from personal experience, focusing on declarative knowledge acquired through formal education and intellectual engagement.

Understanding the differences between Kennen and Wissen is crucial for appreciating the various ways in which knowledge is acquired and applied. Both forms of knowledge have their own strengths and limitations, and they complement each other in different contexts. By recognizing the distinct attributes of Kennen and Wissen, individuals can enhance their learning experiences and broaden their understanding of the world around them.