In socialist Poland both were used, but “comrade” (Towarzysz/Towarzyszka) was the honorific for member of the party while “citizen” (Obywatel/Obywatelka) was used for everyone else in official situations. Most people still used the “Pan/Pani” (Mr/Mrs) though, which was a bit reactionary because in Polish language this word does not even come from the bourgeoise honorific “Master” but from the aristocratic “Lord”.
On the one hand, love
On the other, I’m an American by way of birth lottery and hate borders. Comrade for me!
Way I see it, “Comrade” is a term of endearment, like “mate” or “dude” or whatever.
Whereas “Citizen” is a honorific. An ungendered stand-in for “sir/madam”.
In socialist Poland both were used, but “comrade” (Towarzysz/Towarzyszka) was the honorific for member of the party while “citizen” (Obywatel/Obywatelka) was used for everyone else in official situations. Most people still used the “Pan/Pani” (Mr/Mrs) though, which was a bit reactionary because in Polish language this word does not even come from the bourgeoise honorific “Master” but from the aristocratic “Lord”.