ABSTRACT
The chapter discusses mutual Polish–German perceptions as reflected in the public opinion polls conducted by the Institute of Public Affairs in Warsaw and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation since 2000. By applying two explanatory categories – asymmetry and the historical legacy – to the analysis of mutual perception, it has been demonstrated that both categories still play a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Moreover, in the case of Polish respondents, the media channel they watch has an impact on their perception of Germany and the Germans. Another factor that influences perception is personal experience with the neighbouring country. Although history is perceived as impacting bilateral relations, both societies state that the relationship should focus on the present and future and not on the past.
