An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Kunst

by Friedrich Kluge

Kunst, f., ‘skill, art, address,’ from MidHG. and OHG. kunst, f., ‘knowledge, wisdom, skill, art’; comp. OSax. cunsti, plur., ‘knowledge, wisdom,’ Du. kunst; wanting in E. and Goth. A verbal abstract from können, like Kunft from kommen; s is a euphonic insertion before the dental; comp. Brunst from brennen, Gunst from gönnen.