knob / pommel
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knob
A usually round or spherical handle on a door, cane, drawer, or lid.
Anstelle einer Klinke hatte die schwere Eichentür einen großen, eisernen Knauf in der Mitte.
Instead of a handle, the heavy oak door had a large iron knob in the middle.
pommel
The thickened end of the grip of a sword or dagger, which serves as a counterweight to the blade and prevents the hand from slipping off.
Der Knauf des antiken Schwertes war mit einem Edelstein verziert.
The pommel of the antique sword was decorated with a gemstone.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Knauf' (knob/pommel) from the context. If people are talking about doors, furniture, or canes, it means the handle. If it is about historical weapons such as swords or daggers, it means the end of the grip.
Er drehte am messingfarbenen Knauf, aber die Tür war verschlossen.
He turned the brass-colored knob, but the door was locked.
When it refers to a handle, 'Knauf' (knob) often appears together with the place where it is located. Typical phrases are 'der Knauf an der Tür' (the knob on the door), 'der Knauf des Spazierstocks' (the knob of the walking stick), or 'der Knauf auf dem Deckel' (the knob on the lid).
Der hölzerne Knauf der Schublade war ganz abgenutzt.
The wooden knob of the drawer was completely worn down.
The meaning 'Griffende eines Schwertes' (end of a sword grip) is mainly used in specific contexts, for example in history, in museums, or in fantasy literature.
Im Museum wurde erklärt, dass der Knauf als Gegengewicht zur Klinge dient.
In the museum, it was explained that the pommel serves as a counterweight to the blade.
handle / grip
For a part used to open something, both Griff and Knauf can be appropriate. Griff refers generally to the device you hold, while Knauf specifically means a thickened, usually round or spherical shape. For a round shape, Knauf is therefore the more precise term.
Der runde Knauf an der Schublade lässt sich leicht drehen.
The round knob on the drawer turns easily.
Der Griff an der Schublade lässt sich leicht herausziehen.
The handle on the drawer pulls out easily.
