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  What it means

  “He who doesn’t want bread is not worthy of cake.” If you reject the basic and ordinary, you have no right to expect something better or more special.

  English equivalent

  Beggars can't be choosers.

  Vocabulary

  • chleb — bread
  • chcieć — to want
  • godzien — worthy (archaic/formal)
  • kołacz — a sweet braided bread, cake

  Grammar note

  'Nie godzien' is a short-form adjective (archaic) meaning 'not worthy'. 'Kołacza' is genitive after 'godzien'.

  Cultural context

  Kołacz is a traditional Polish festive bread, richer and sweeter than everyday chleb. The contrast underlines the hierarchy of basic vs. special.

  Intermediate

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