Polski most, niemiecki post, włoskie nabożeństwo, to wszystko błazeństwo
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What it means
A Polish bridge, a German fast, an Italian devotion ; all of it is foolishness. A sardonic proverb mocking stereotypes: Polish bridges were rickety, German fasting was seen as superficial, and Italian piety as theatrical.
Vocabulary
- most — bridge
- post — fast, fasting
- nabożeństwo — devotion, religious service
- błazeństwo — foolishness, buffoonery, farce
Grammar note
A nominal sentence with no main verb ; the subject list leads to the predicate 'to wszystko błazeństwo' (all this is foolishness).
Cultural context
An old satirical proverb reflecting historical stereotypes about neighbouring nations. Its age means the stereotypes are now purely historical curiosities.
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