These two different phrases are taught in two lessons I've just done; both imply
"to be aware". Is there a nuance I'm missing? Thanks!
Context for se rendre compte/etre au fait?

Stefanie--15
August 13, 2014

toru e
August 14, 2014
The verb *se rendre compte* is more along the lines of "to come to realize" while *être au fait* is more along the lines of "to be informed about (or apprised of)" something.

Stefanie--15
August 14, 2014
Thanks! My mystake-- The other one was actually Être au courant. Sorry to be a bother, but I like to know the nuances of the phrases...

toru e
August 15, 2014
It's not clear from "the other one" if you meant être au fait vs. être au courant, or se rendre compte vs. être au courant.
If it's the former: Être au courant is used in the same way as être au fait. The gist is "to be aware of" or "to be cognizant of" or "to be informed about". It's more common to hear "être au courant" to say that someone is up to speed/versed on something.
If it's the latter: *se rendre compte* is used for having <u>come to the realization of something</u> or having become aware of something.
Ex: Je me rends compte que tu ne m'aimes plus. (I realize/I come to the realization/I come to the conclusion that you don't love me anymore.)

Stefanie--15
August 19, 2014
Thanks- that helped!