Usage Note
Douane refers to the customs authority at borders — passer la douane means 'to go through customs'. A customs officer is a douanier/douanière. The word entered French from Italian dogana, itself from Arabic diwan (a register or council), reflecting medieval Mediterranean trade networks.
Examples
"Ils ont déclaré leurs achats à la douane."
Natural Translation
They declared their purchases at customs.
Related Words
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