Rich Germans, Iran's President and Foreign Languages

The following comments reflect the views of our readers. Not all reader comments have been published. DW-WORLD reserves the right to edit for length and appropriateness of content.

Are rich people happier?

How could they not be? They are free from worry about when and how they will eat, stay comfortable, and have access to the best health care they can get. If all of that does not make them happier, then they do not have their priorities in order. -- James Smith, João Pessoa, Brazil

I think that rich people enjoy more their life than ordinary people but that does not mean that are happier. But let me tell you, money helps a lot. I always welcome fortune to my life. --Carlos Martinez Miami, Florida, US

It's sad to see the triviality of your section, specially coming from a respected news agency from a highly educated country like Germany, leader of the EU. Your article sounds too American. You could just call it "The lives of the rich and famous in Germany". You should cover the lives of German people that are making a difference to build a better world, lives of people that would inspire our children to improve and reform what we call "Western Civilization" before is too late.

Iran's president

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The Iranian President is correct, you know. Why should Palestine suffer for the sins of Europe? -- James Wilder, US

Your articles on Iran are very informative, based on Iran's relations with Iraq, Israel, and even possibly Saudi Arabia, you can understand their strong interest in Long Range rockets and nuclear developments is not based on price of oil, but to satisfy their previously stated military objectives. -- John Blackwelder

Israel has every right to strike Iran now in order to avoid having a government that is calling for the Jewish state's destruction as an atomic neighbor. Iran not only talks tough; it sponsors terrorist organizations and arms them for attacks against Israel. Such a state should be considered as an active enemy and a pre-emptive strike should take place as soon as possible. -- Amir

The EU-3 should talk with Iran. If Israel can have nuclear weapons, then why not Iran? What's good for the goose is good for the gander. What is so special about Israel? -- James Wilder, US

Learning Foreign Languages

The earlier they start, the better

I'm Canadian-born to European parents of German/Austrian origin. My parents never taught me German, since it was not a popular activity in post-WWII Canada. Despite my lack of cultural identity to the old world, I have always been proud of my German/Austrian heritage. Even though German is a living language, I don't think that it should be overly influenced by the English language. English is itself a hodgepodge of other languages, and I would despair to see the German language end up the same way. Especially if the influence of English, or should I say American, on German is borne out of fashion or trends. -- Paul

I would not mind the foreign language as long as the company provided the means to learn the language. I find it is always better to be bilingual or even trilingual. I speak German and English and it has always been to my advantage. -- Leonore, US

Hello I live in Miami and being bilingual is a way of life. I have always worked in an environment of multilingualism, and I confess that I enjoy it very much. I am a legal interpreter for English and Spanish speakers, but I am very interested in learning German. It would be a very interesting challenge, and hopefully I will make some friends with German speaking people. -- Diana, US

Finally German business and industry is getting the message that English is the language of the space age. Yet, the French cannot accept reality and attempt to keep the French language on the world scene by any means at their disposal. If we look at a true picture of what some people are trying to do, as in the case of Quebec, Canada, we get a much better idea. Here, narrow-minded nationalism and race have taken hold of the issue. -- Kenneth T. Tellis, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada