← French Foundations

Unit 7 · Lesson 2

Devoir, Savoir, Connaître

Three more essential irregular verbs — devoir expresses obligation, savoir is for knowing facts, and connaître is for knowing people and places.

Savoir vs. Connaître

Savoir

to know facts, information, or how to do something.

Je sais nager.

I know how to swim.

Tu sais quelle heure il est?

Do you know what time it is?

Connaître

to know people, places, or things (be acquainted with).

Je connais Marie.

I know Marie.

Elle connaît Paris.

She knows Paris.

devoir: must / to have to

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French

je dois

tap to flip

English

I must / I have to

Je dois partir.: I have to leave.

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savoir: to know (facts)

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French

je sais

tap to flip

English

I know

Je sais la réponse.: I know the answer.

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connaître: to know (people/places)

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French

je connais

tap to flip

English

I know

Je connais Marie.: I know Marie.

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Devoir, savoir, connaître

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Click a French word, then click its English match.

Devoir, savoir, connaître in context

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Hint: je form of devoir

Jepartir maintenant. (devoir)

I have to leave now.

Devoir, savoir, connaître quiz

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Which verb would you use to say 'I know how to cook'?