smuggling
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smuggling
The illegal transport of goods, money, or people across a border in order to avoid customs duties, taxes, or bans.
Der Zoll hat einen groß angelegten Schmuggel von Zigaretten aufgedeckt.
Customs uncovered a large-scale smuggling operation involving cigarettes.
'Der Schmuggel' (smuggling) is the noun related to the verb 'schmuggeln' (to smuggle). A person who does this is called 'der Schmuggler' (male smuggler) or 'die Schmugglerin' (female smuggler).
Die Schmuggler wurden an der Grenze gefasst.
The smugglers were caught at the border.
To say which goods are being transported illegally, you use the preposition 'von' (of). For example: 'der Schmuggel von Drogen' (the smuggling of drugs).
Die Polizei ermittelt wegen des Schmuggels von geschützten Tierarten.
The police are investigating the smuggling of protected animal species.
Since smuggling is an illegal activity, the word is often combined with verbs such as 'aufdecken' (to uncover), 'verhindern' (to prevent), or 'bekämpfen' (to combat).
Die Küstenwache versucht, den Drogenschmuggel zu bekämpfen.
The coast guard is trying to combat drug smuggling.
import
'der Import' and 'der Schmuggel' (smuggling) both have to do with goods that come across a border. The important difference is: an import is a normal, legal process in trade. Goods are brought in from abroad and officially declared. Smuggling is illegal. It means someone secretly brings goods, money, or people across the border, for example to avoid taxes or bans. The words can be confused because in both cases something comes from another country. When it is about legal trade, 'Import' fits. When it is secret and forbidden, 'Schmuggel' fits.
Der Schmuggel von Zigaretten über die Grenze wurde von der Polizei gestoppt.
The smuggling of cigarettes across the border was stopped by the police.
Der Import von Kaffee ist für viele Firmen ein wichtiger Teil ihres Geschäfts.
The import of coffee is an important part of many companies' business.