Usage Note
Schmiergeld (literally 'grease money') is an informal but widely used term for a bribe paid to facilitate a deal or gain favour. The formal legal term is Bestechungsgeld. Schmiergeld zahlen — to pay a bribe.
Examples
"Der Manager wurde beschuldigt, Schmiergeld angenommen zu haben."
Natural Translation
The manager was accused of having accepted bribes.
Literal Translation
The manager was accused, bribe accepted to have.
Related Words
Explore German by topic
