German word

Wissen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvɪsn̩/

Meaning

  • neuter nounknowledge

Example

Ich habe viel Wissen über Geschichte.

I have extensive knowledge of history.

Illustration for Wissen (knowledge)

More examples

Ich möchte mein Wissen erweitern.

I would like to expand my knowledge.

Core concept

A web of learned facts and insights available for thought and use.

Common phrases

  • Alltagswissen

    everyday knowledge

  • Wissen erweitern

    expand knowledge

  • Wissen erwerben

    acquire knowledge

Similar words

Kenntnisse: Acquired expertise that can be applied in a particular field or occupation.
Information: A distinct fact or data point obtained from an external source.
Ahnung: A tentative sense of what may be true without much evidence.

Definition in German

Wissen bezeichnet Vorstellungen, Tatsachen und Zusammenhänge, die jemand kennt und gedanklich verarbeiten kann.

Word origin

Wissen developed from the Germanic root of wissen 'to know', which is also related to English wit and wise.

Usage tips

  • The noun Wissen concerns knowledge, while wissen is the verb for knowing facts and kennen is used for familiarity with people, places, or things.

Other meanings

  • insightnoun
  • learningnoun

Opposites

  • Unwissenignorancenoun

Related words

  • Wissenslückeknowledge gapnoun
  • Wissensstandlevel of knowledgenoun

Word lists with this word