Jak świat światem, nie będzie Niemiec Polakowi bratem
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What it means
This old saying claims that a German can never be a brother to a Pole. It reflects Polish-German hostility shaped by centuries of conflict.
Vocabulary
- świat — world
- Niemiec — German (person)
- brat — brother
Grammar note
'Jak świat światem' is an idiomatic phrase meaning 'as long as the world has existed / will exist'. 'Bratem' is instrumental case.
Cultural context
Reflects the long and often violent history between Poland and Germany. Cited today primarily as a historical document of folk sentiment.
Intermediate
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