What do ranks in Knowledge skill really represent ??

[FoxWander]

The Pathfinder systems has a really good breakdown of specific DCs to know certain information of the various knowledges (LINK). Their treatment of Knowledge Arcana mixes with the capabilities of the 3.5 Spellcraft skill, but if you cut out those bits everything else should work fairly well. It would at least give you a baseline for your handouts if you consider an average roll + X ranks.

 

[FEADIN]

DnD books have been translated into other languages by WotC.

Sure, nearly all are translated in French and there is a SRD equivalent on top of numerous fan sites.
I think that's the same for Italian and Spanish, may be harder for East countries of Europe.....and for the North....actually there's a volcano

 

[pawsplay]

I would set knowledge based on check the check DC, since that's how additional info can be garnered during play. If you make a list of "You know this" based on skill ranks, you end up doing the job twice. Give everyone a "take 10" on the local area.