🇩🇪German Source WordCode: DE

Schwarzmarkt

Pronunciation / Transliteration: ʃvaʁtsmaʁkt

🇬🇧 Direct English Meaning:
Black Market/blæk ˈmɑːrkɪt/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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🇩🇪 Example Sentence in German:

"Der Schwarzmarkt florierte während der Krise."

Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    An illegal traffic or trade in officially controlled or scarce commodities.

    "During the economic crisis, many people turned to the black market to buy essential goods."
  2. 2

    A market where goods are sold illegally, often at inflated prices.

    "The black market for stolen art has grown significantly in recent years."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'black market' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'black', which has connotations of illegality or secrecy, with 'market', referring to a place of trade. It reflects the underground economy where goods are traded illegally, often in response to restrictions or prohibitions.

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