smuggler
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smuggler
A person who secretly and illegally transports goods across a border in order to avoid customs duties, taxes, or import bans.
Der Zoll konnte an der Grenze einen Schmuggler mit mehreren Kilo Drogen fassen.
Customs officials were able to catch a smuggler at the border with several kilos of drugs.
'Der Schmuggler' (the smuggler) is derived from the verb 'schmuggeln' (to smuggle). The ending '-er' denotes a male person who carries out the act of smuggling.
Wer illegal Waren über die Grenze bringt, wird als Schmuggler bezeichnet.
Someone who illegally brings goods across the border is called a smuggler.
The word 'Schmuggler' (smuggler) is often combined with verbs that describe a criminal act or its discovery. Typical ones are: 'einen Schmuggler fassen' (to catch a smuggler), 'verhaften' (to arrest), 'erwischen' (to catch), or 'stellen' (to apprehend).
Der Zoll hat die Schmuggler auf frischer Tat ertappt.
Customs caught the smugglers red-handed.
To specify what is being smuggled, you can form a compound such as 'Zigarettenschmuggler' (cigarette smuggler) or use the construction 'Schmuggler von + [Ware]' (smuggler of + [goods]).
Die Zeitung berichtete über die Festnahme eines Drogenschmugglers.
The newspaper reported on the arrest of a drug smuggler.
courier
'der Kurier' and 'der Schmuggler' can both refer to people who transport something. The important difference, however, is legal and practical: a courier takes shipments openly and usually legally from one place to another. A smuggler transports goods secretly and illegally across a border. The words can be confused if you only think about the fact that someone is carrying or driving something. If the delivery is permitted and organized, 'Kurier' fits. If something is brought across a border illegally, 'Schmuggler' is correct.
An der Grenze kontrolliert die Polizei einen Schmuggler mit versteckten Waren im Auto.
At the border, the police are checking a smuggler with hidden goods in the car.
Der Kurier hat das Paket direkt beim Empfang abgegeben.
The courier dropped off the package directly at reception.