sich kennenlernen

This phrase is a reflexive verb, so it always needs a reflexive pronoun like uns, euch, or sich. If you and a new friend are doing it, you say Wir lernen uns kennen. In a sentence, the kennenlernen part often stays together at the end. For example: Ich möchte dich gerne kennenlernen. If you're talking about the past, use haben and say Wir haben uns gestern kennengelernt. It sounds smooth and very natural in everyday German.

Use it when you start a new job and meet your colleagues. Your boss might say, Wir müssen uns erst mal kennenlernen. Use it on a first date to express interest. It’s perfect for parties, networking events, or even when meeting your new neighbors. It works whenever two humans are starting a connection. It’s friendly, open, and shows you are interested in the other person.

Don't use it for your family or old friends. You already know them! It would sound like you have amnesia. Also, don't use it for objects or places. You don't kennenlernen a new car or a pizza. For places, you would use besichtigen or erkunden. It is strictly for the human experience of meeting people. Using it for a sandwich might get you some very confused looks.

Germans are often described as 'coconuts'—hard on the outside, soft on the inside. The kennenlernen process is how you crack that shell. It’s a phase they take quite seriously. They might stay formal with Sie for a while. Once the kennenlernen phase is successful, you might be offered the Du (informal 'you'). This is a big deal! It means you've officially moved from a stranger to a part of their circle.

You can add näher to say 'better' or 'more closely.' Wir müssen uns näher kennenlernen implies you want a deeper connection. You might also hear das Kennenlernen as a noun, referring to the meeting itself. If you only know someone slightly, you might say you know them flüchtig. But kennenlernen is always the starting point of any great German friendship.