Here's what we can infer about this "black market" from the diary:
* Food shortages: Anne often mentions the lack of food and the difficulty in obtaining basic supplies. She describes how people resorted to bartering, exchanging goods and services for food and other essentials. This points to a system of exchange outside of the official, regulated market.
* Trading ration coupons: Anne notes that people would trade their ration coupons for scarce items. This suggests a market where people could acquire more desirable goods through unofficial channels.
* Selling and buying illegal goods: The Franks themselves are involved in activities that could be considered part of the "black market." They obtain food and other items from the outside through their helpers, who likely sourced these goods through unofficial means. This suggests a network of individuals operating outside of the law.
* Dealing with the "grey" market: There was a market for "grey" goods, meaning items that were legally available but in short supply. This included things like cigarettes, soap, and coffee. These items were often obtained through unofficial channels and sold at inflated prices.
It's important to remember that the diary focuses on the Franks' experience and their daily life, not on the intricacies of the black market itself. However, the diary provides glimpses into the harsh realities of life under Nazi occupation and the ingenuity people used to survive.
While Anne Frank doesn't use the term "black market," the diary reveals the existence of a shadow economy that was a crucial lifeline for many in the Netherlands during the war.