"I am positive that flexibility is a feminine characteristic."

"A woman must combine the role of mother, wife and politician."

"My mother's studies stopped with the third year of primary school, my father with the first. They taught me a deep sense of duty. But nobody was involved in politics in my family."

"I was on leave from local and regional politics, as long as I was a Minister."

"I really like the idea of being a bit unpredictable. I'm known for being a nice, easy-going person with a straightforward exterior. So I think a bit of me wants to be sort of sly and devious."

"My dad served in the Air Force as ground crew for several years, and doesn't really talk about it. I know that it's there. I think my main thing about direct or indirect experiences as near to home as it were is the idea of self-sacrifice really."

"It was also my idea that the advisory committees of the Academy should replace the legal committees of the German Reichstag, which was gradually fading into the background in the Reich."

"I create my own lyrics. I have a great band. I have a drummer from East Berlin."