German Phrase
Kennst du den Bibliothekar?
Meaning
This question asks whether the listener is familiar with the librarian – the person who works at a library. It is informal because it uses *du* and the simple verb *kennen*.
When to use
Use this sentence in casual conversation when you want to find out if someone knows the librarian at a particular library, for example before asking for a book recommendation or a quiet study space.
✦Grammar Breakdown
KennstdudenBibliothekar?
Verb kennen + accusative
The verb *kennen* (to know/be familiar with) always takes a direct object in the accusative case.
Inversion with du‑question
In a yes/no question with *du*, the verb moves before the subject (Kennst du …?).
Masculine accusative article
For masculine nouns the accusative article is *den* (der → den).
Capitalisation of nouns
All German nouns are capitalised, so *Bibliothekar* is written with a capital B.
🗨In Conversation
Kennst du den Bibliothekar?
Do you know the librarian?
Ja, ich habe ihn gestern beim Ausleihen eines Buches getroffen.
Yes, I met him yesterday while borrowing a book.
✕Common Mistakes
Kennst du der Bibliothekar?
The masculine article must be in accusative (*den*) because it is the direct object of *kennen*.
Weißt du den Bibliothekar?
Use *kennen* for people you are familiar with; *wissen* is for factual knowledge.
Du kennst den Bibliothekar?
In a yes/no question the verb precedes the subject.
↔Alternatives
Weißt du, wer der Bibliothekar ist?
Do you know who the librarian is?
Kennst du den Bibliothekar hier?
Do you know the librarian here?
Bist du mit dem Bibliothekar vertraut?
Are you familiar with the librarian?
Cultural Tip
In German, *kennen* is used for people, places, or things you are familiar with, while *wissen* is used for factual knowledge. Therefore you would never say *Weißt du den Bibliothekar?* – that would be grammatically wrong. Also, if you are speaking to someone you don’t know well, switch to the formal *Sie*: *Kennen Sie den Bibliothekar?*