German word

Zoll

Pronunciation

IPA/tsɔl/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncustoms

Example

Am Flughafen musste ich beim Zoll meine Einkäufe zeigen.

At the airport, I had to show my purchases to customs.

Illustration for Zoll (customs)

More examples

Er musste sich beim Zoll melden, bevor er das Land verließ.

He had to report to customs before leaving the country.

Core concept

A border checkpoint where officials inspect goods and collect duties.

Common phrases

  • am Zoll

    at customs

  • sich beim Zoll melden

    report to customs

  • bei der Zollabfertigung

    during customs clearance

Similar words

Grenze: A boundary or crossing point between two countries.
Kontrolle: An inspection of documents or luggage for safety or authorization.
Einfuhr: The act of bringing goods into a country from abroad.
Ausfuhr: The act of sending goods abroad from a country.

Definition in German

Behörde, die an der Grenze oder am Flughafen Waren kontrolliert und Zollformalitäten abwickelt.

Word origin

The customs word descends through Middle High German zol from an older term for a toll or duty.

Usage tips

  • After a number, Zoll can mean 'inch' and remains unchanged, while Zölle usually refers to customs duties.

Other meanings

  • customs dutynoun
  • inchnoun

Related words

  • Zollabfertigungcustoms clearancenoun
  • zollfreiduty-freeadjective
  • Zollstellecustoms officenoun

Word lists with this word