An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Kahm

by Friedrich Kluge

Kahm, Kahn, m., ‘mould on fermented liquids,’ from the equiv. MidHG. kâm (kân); comp. Ic. kám, n., ‘thin coating of dust, dirt,’ E. coom, ‘soot, coal dust’ (with i mutation, E. keam, keans); Goth. *kema-, *kemi-. The root ka- is inferred from MidHG. ka-del, m., ‘soot, dirt.’ Der. ̣kahmig, adj., ‘mouldy’ (of wine).