The reason for this is either that the word stems from the Yiddish word shvarts (‘poor’) or that it refers to the idea of carrying out illegal activities in the dark.

Fare evasion, or Schwarzfahren, also takes place in Berlin, a city with a large public transport system. Many stations and trains in Berlin are covered with tags and graffiti that express diverse opinions. It can be seen as merely vandalism but also as a form of art that is freely accessible to many people. Fare evasion, graffiti, and other disorderly practices are often mentioned in hip-hop culture and, particularly, in rap songs.