Germany
I'm a bit disappointed with Germany. The correspondence lacked a photograph, all I received was a standard card in German. The enclosed letter, too, was in German.
It isn't clear from whom the correspondence is from. I mailed the letters just when Angela Merkel won the elections for Chancellor. I wasn't sure when she would take office so I sent letters to both her and outgoing Chancellor Gerhard Schroder. The signature is difficult to read so it is hard to tell which one of the two sent the correspondence. In any event, it is an honor to receive Germany's response.
posted by Joel at 9:31 PM
6 Comments:
The signature is indeed Angela Merkel's.
The letter is a stock form letter in appreciation of your interest that wishes you a Merry, well, you know, and a happy New Year.
Roughly translated, it reads:
For your congratulations on my election to Chancellor, I cordially thank you. I was very much pleased about it.
Germany stands before large challenges, which we must master in common effort. [sounds kind of... well, German, doesn't it?]
I am confident that I will bring stimulus and encouragement concerning the large tasks for the well-being of our country.
I wish you a merry Christmas and a lucky 2006.
Again, that's very rough. I used my high school German and Google Translate.
Unlike the Bush administration, the Germans certainly don't shy away from religious rhetoric. "Gesegnetes Weihnachtsfest" means "a Blessed Christmas". I guess "frohe Weihnachten" ("Merry Christmas") just wouldn't make it clear enough that the country is now governed by a Christian party.
For your congratulations at my election to the chancellorship I cordially thank you.
Germany is facing huge challenges which we must master in a common effort.
The confidence expressed towards me is an incentive and encouragement to start mastering the large task for our country's sake.
I wish you a blessed Christmas and a happy year 2006.
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The word for "chancellor" is the female form, so it is definitely her.
Be thankful you didn't receive a photo of Frau Merkel, she's not exactly handsome...
Here's Merkel's photo with a story. Should have asked me before.
http://servicios.lasprovincias.es/valencia/pg060419/prensa/noticias/Internacional/200604/19/VAL-INT-218.html
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