schmuggeln
Translation
to smuggle
Examples
Er schmuggelte Zigaretten über die Grenze.
He smuggled cigarettes across the border.
Sie versuchen, seltene Tiere zu schmuggeln.
They are trying to smuggle rare animals.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to smuggle (sth.) He tried to smuggle gold.
((sth.)) ((across sth.)) to smuggle (sth.) across (sth.) They smuggle goods across the border.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to sneak in, to run; Antonyms: to declare, to import legally.
Etymology
From Low German 'smukkelen', related to Dutch 'smokkelen'. The root might be linked to 'schmiegen' (to nestle), suggesting stealthy action.
Memory Tips
It's a cognate of the English word 'smuggle', making it very easy to remember. Just associate the German spelling with the English sound.