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  What it means

  As long as the world exists, a German will never be a brother to a Pole. A historical proverb expressing deep-seated Polish–German antagonism rooted in 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 Cited today primarily as a historical document of folk sentiment.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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