A lot of polluted water will still flow down the Elbe until German unity is realized in the everyday lives of people. Questions will still be asked about what has actually been put together from both sides of the Elbe. If it were only about scientifically clarifying this question, there would be all the time in the world to write the history of the Central Round Table of the GDR. However, this is not the case. As long as the two parts of Germany are still being brought together, the question remains politically relevant as to whether this should happen according to the goals envisioned by the Round Table, or - where deviations have already occurred to this day - whether it should have happened differently. The Round Table has already become a focal point for claims and hopes for a 'third way' - a focus for future concepts beyond both the once 'real existing socialism' of the GDR and the model of the Federal Republic. These expectations are no less firmly rejected in today's political debates. As long as we do not at least attempt to approach the truth, legends will remain. However, from legends and myths, usually only bad politics arise; it is generally not possible to build a future on that. Therefore, it is important to contribute as quickly as possible to clarifying the history of the Round Table.