What is the difference between conocer and saber?

Question

We know these verbs both mean, 'to know', but when do we use which?

Answer 1

Saber is to know a fact/how to do something.

Conocer is to know people, places, or things.

Answer 2

"Saber" means to understand something intellectually; for instance, memorizing a list of facts or body of knowledge on a topic.

"Conocer" is generally connotes knowing a person, group or organization. A possible synonym is "to be familiar with"--usually a person.

Answer 3

Saber is used to express concrete facts or skills. For example, "Él sabe mucho sobre matemática."

Conocer means 'to be familiar with' or 'to know' in a more contextual way. It applies mostly to people, places, or things. For example "Conoczo una enfermera."

Now, let's see how they differ in a sentence.

"Conozco una bibliotecária que sabe mucho sobre los libros."

I know a librarian who knows a lot about books.

Answer 4

Saber mostly indicates the acknowledgement of facts or learned skills. For example I knew left her keys at home: Yo sabia que ella dejó sus llaves en casa.

Conocer is used to express familiarity or acquaintance (or lack thereof) with a person, place, or thing. For example you can know, or be acquainted with, a book, a movie, a country, or a certain person.

I hope this is helpful!