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Knowing "K"

The silent "k" in English words is a quirk of the language that often confuses learners. This silent letter typically appears at the beginning of words followed by an "n," such as "knight," "knife," "knee," and "know." Historically, the "k" was pronounced in Old English and early Middle English, but over time, pronunciation shifted, and the "k" became silent while the spelling remained unchanged. This change is part of a broader pattern of silent letters in English, which often result from linguistic evolution, influences from other languages, and standardization of spelling. The retention of the silent "k" helps to distinguish words in writing that would otherwise be homophones, aiding in clarity and comprehension

German

Wissen - (to) know; knowledge

Wusste - knew

Messer - knife

Knie - knee

Knöchel - knuckle

Klopfen - (to) knock

Knoten - knot

Stricken (to) knit

Ritter - knight

Knien - kneel

Kneten - knead

Hügel - knoll

Tornister - knapsack

Talent - knack

Knopf - knob

Spanish

Saber - (to) know

Conocimiento - knowledge

Sabía - knew

Cuchillo - knife

Rodilla - knee

Nudillo - knuckle

Golpear - (to) knock

Nudo - knot

Tejer - (to) knit

Caballero - knight

Arrodillarse - (to) kneel

Amasar - knead

Montículo - knoll

Mochila - knapsack

Maña - knack

Pomo - knob

French

Savoir - (to) know

Connaissance - knowledge

Savait - knew

Couteau - knife

Genou - knee

La jointure de doigt - knuckle

Frapper - (to) knock

Noeud - knot

Tricoter - (to) knit

Chevalier - knight

S'agenouiller - (to) kneel

Pétrir - knead

Monticule - knoll

Sac à dos - knapsack

Talent - knack

Bouton - knob

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