French: Savoir vs Connaître?

Savoir means to know a fact, something by heart, or how to do something (via repetition), to be aware or informed about a situation.

(grammar tip: usually followed by infinitive or subordinate clause)

English examples of when its used:

They know how to play tennis.

I know why he boycotted the elections.

I don't know if he will win.

I know why they skipped school.

He knows the poem.

I know jacks songs.

Connaître means to know (someone) or to be familiar with (someone or something), or acquainted

(grammar tip: usually followed by direct object)

English examples:

I think I know who you are talking about.

I know the candidate of the republican party.

I know New York well.

I hardly know this song.

I would like to know more about France.

BUT when in used in the passe compose the meanings DOES change

Savoir means to learn or find out.

Connaître means to meet someone for the first time.

savoir is to know a fact or to know how to do something

Je sais qu'il fait froid (I know it is cold). Je sais conduire la voiture (I know how to drive).

connaître is to have knowledge of a person, or a city, or a language.

Je connais l'anglais, je connais Tim, je connais New York. Je connais Shakespeare.

See this link: http://www.laits.utexas.edu/tex/gr/virr10.html

It also contains exercices.

Je connais le français et je sais que c'est un bon site.