Warsaw Book Fair 31.05.2026

This question was raised during a discussion organised by the German Institute of Polish Affairs in Darmstadt: Are Poles and Germans today doomed to mutual indifference?

In recent years, Polish-German relations have increasingly been described through the lens of distance, fatigue, and declining interest. Germany, until recently perceived in Poland as a model of development, is now often viewed much more critically. At the same time, the image of Poland in Germany has also been changing - shaped by politics, the economy, culture, and social tensions.

Can culture still build bridges where politics and stereotypes put up barriers? Can initiatives such as the Karl Dedecius Prize for Polish and German translators truly change how both societies perceive each other? Or does the appeal of a country’s cultural offer today depend mainly on its prestige on the international stage?

These difficult but much-needed questions were discussed by:
Dr Jan Burnatowski - Villa Decius, Kraków
Andreas Volk - literary and theatre translator
Paulina Wilk - “Kultura nie boli” Foundation

The meeting was organised by the German Institute of Polish Affairs in Darmstadt.
At a time when it is easiest to look away, a conversation about mutual curiosity becomes more important than ever.

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