Would you explain the diffent meaning between 'know' and 'know of'

Question

I encountered two kinds of English sentences: 1. I know John and 2. I know of John. I wonder what is the difference between 1 & 2. Just by reading the sentences in the context, 2 means that the writer knows John very closely, specifically or better. That was my guess. I might be wrong. Your answer would be much appreicated.

Answer 1

To "know" a person is to have some sort of interpersonal relationship with them.  To "know of" them is to be aware of their existence, whether or not you've ever interacted on a personal level.

German has separate words for that: "wissen" is to know a fact, and "kennen" is to know a person.  I'm pretty sure you'd use "wissen" to say you "know of" someone, because you know the fact of their existence.

Answer 2

i believe the meanings are the same

Answer 3

i know that i know of what i already know

Answer 4

Quite the opposite...2 means you have not met John face to face...you have just heard of him. :)

Answer 5

# 1 sentence means you have met and you know John.

# 2 sentence means you have only heard of John.

Answer 6

If you say "I know John", that means you actually have met him and know him.

If you say "I know of John", that means you haven't met him, but you have heard of him.