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 contraband; Antonyms: to declare, to import legally.
Etymology
From Low German 'smukkelen', related to Dutch 'smokkelen'. The root may be connected to 'schmiegen' (to nestle), implying stealthy movement.
Memory Tips
This word is a direct cognate of the English 'smuggle'. The spelling is slightly different, but the sound and meaning are nearly identical.