Saber vs. conocer
The Spanish verbs saber and conocer both mean to know, but they are used in different contexts depending on what kind of knowledge is being referred to.
Saber
A1Saber refers to factual knowledge, or knowing about something. This could be information or how to do something.
Yo sé que el cielo es azul.
(I know that the sky is blue.)
Ella sabe hablar francés.
(She knows how to speak French.)
¿Sabes la respuesta a esta pregunta?
(Do you know the answer to this question?)
Conocer
A1Conocer is used when referring to being familiar with people, places, or things. It's about awareness through experience or acquaintance.
Yo conozco a Maria.
(I know Maria.)
Ellos conocen bien la ciudad de Madrid.
(They know the city of Madrid well.)
¿Conoces ese libro?
(Do you know that book?)
Summary
In summary, while both saber and conocer translate as to know, they are not interchangeable. The verb saber relates to knowing facts or information and conocer relates to familiarity with people, places or things through personal experience.