1987, degree in Law, Cologne; 1991, Lawyer, Bonn; 1994, doctorate in Law, Hagen. 1980, joined FDP, Founder Member, Young Liberals; 1983-88, Federal Chairman, Young Liberals; 1988, Member, National Executive Committee, FDP; 1994-2001, Secretary-General, FDP; 1996, Member of German Bundestag; since 2001, Chairman, FDP; since 2006, Chairman, FDP Parliamentary Group. Member of the Board of Trustees, German Aids Foundation. Member of the Board, Atlantik-Brücke. Author of numerous legal and political publications.