It is Difficult to find fault with Peter Bugge's study, which is based on a very solid knowledge of the most important literature and sources. For many centuries, the citizens of Bratislava (Pressburg/Pozsony) had lived their own lives, which were only minimally touched by ethnic or national conflicts. Their mentality was best reflected by an anecdote published in the Pressburger Zeitung in 1919, shortly before Czechoslovakia's first census:

Two “Pressburger” met in the street.

“What nationality will you declare on the census? Are you a German?” the first one asks.

“I am not a German,” answers the second.

“Will you declare yourself a Magyar?”

“No, I am not a Magyar.”

“Then you must be a Slovak.”

“No, I am not a Slovak.”

“And what nationality are you actually?”

“I am a Pressburgeaner.”