schwarz

black

adjective SHVARTS Less Common

Usage Note

schwarz is the colour black, but figuratively it labels illegal or off-the-books activity: schwarzfahren (to ride without a ticket), Schwarzarbeit (undeclared work). In German politics it's the colour of the conservative CDU/CSU. The comparative is schwärzer.

Examples

"Sie trägt ein schwarzes Kleid."

Natural Translation

She is wearing a black dress.

Literal Translation

She wears a black dress.

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