Zollverein

[tsawl-fer-ahyn, tsawl-fuh-rahyn]

noun

1. (in the 19th century) a union of German states for the maintenance of a uniform tariff on imports from other countries, and of free trading among themselves.

2. any similar union or arrangement between a number of states; customs union.

Zollverein

/ ˈtsɔlfɛrˌain /

noun

1. the customs union of German states organized in the early 1830s under Prussian auspices

Word History and Origins

Origin of Zollverein¹

1835–45; < German, equivalent to Zoll custom, duty, tariff + Verein union

Word History and Origins

Origin of Zollverein¹

C19: from Zoll tax, _toll ² + Verein union

Example Sentences

Built at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the Zollverein mine cemented Germany’s place as a coal behemoth.

From Scientific American

My parents and I drive to the Ruhr’s other crown jewel: the Zollverein.

From Washington Post

The Zollverein coal mine, where he worked in the area of Essen, Germany, was so clogged with coal dust, he remembers, that people would stir up a black cloud whenever they moved.

From Scientific American

Zollverein, like many former mines, is now also home to several businesses.

From Scientific American

Today, the scene at Zollverein is very different.

From Scientific American