verb
to know, to be aware of
A1
wissen: verb meaning 'to know' or 'to be aware of'. Non‑reflexive; uses auxiliary haben for perfect (habe gewusst). Irregular/mixed verb with stem vowel change in present (ich weiß, du weißt) and past 'wusste'; participle 'gewusst'. Not a modal verb; common in factual knowledge contexts.
Examples
Ich weiß die Antwort.
I know the answer.
Die Reporter wussten nicht, dass der Minister bereits zurückgetreten war, bevor die Nachricht veröffentlicht wurde.
The reporters did not know that the minister had already resigned before the news was published.
Sie wusste die Lösung.
She knew the solution.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a person with a glowing lightbulb and a badge that says 'WISS'—they instantly 'know' the answer.
Sounds a bit like English 'whiz' (someone who knows a lot). Think 'whiz' = knows.
Notes
Commonly contrasted with kennen: wissen refers to knowing facts or having knowledge (Ich weiß, dass...), whereas kennen means being acquainted with people/places (Ich kenne ihn). 'Wissen' is irregular/mixed: present ich weiß, past ich wusste, participle gewusst.