The word "knaub" is spelled with a silent "k" followed by a "n." This is represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /k/ /n/ /ɔːb/. The "k" is not pronounced and only serves to indicate the word's origin in the German language. The "n" is pronounced as the usual nasal "n" sound. The "au" is pronounced as the "aw" sound, and the "b" is pronounced as a regular "b" sound. Overall, the spelling of "knaub" reflects its etymology and helps to distinguish it from similar-sounding words.
The word "knaub" originated from Middle Low German "knobe" or Middle Dutch "cnoche", which means a knob or a lump. It is believed to be derived from Old High German "cnoc", meaning a knot or a hard lump. The word eventually entered the English language around the 14th century and has been used to describe a small rounded protuberance or knob on various objects.