function validate() {
    //-- this script is specific to Germany's Deutsch version
    //-- val field Kundenname zero length and special characters
    var VisitorName = document.getElementById("id_kundenname");
    if (VisitorName.value.length == 0 || VisitorName.value == '<' || VisitorName.value == '>' || VisitorName.value == '/' || VisitorName.value == ':') {
        alert("Bitte geben Sie Ihren Vor-und Nachname");
        return false;
    }

    //-- val field Telefon zero length and special characters
    var Phone = document.getElementById("id_telefon");
    if (Phone.value.length == 0 || Phone.value == '<' || Phone.value == '>' || Phone.value == '/' || Phone.value == ':') {
        alert("Bitte geben Sie Ihre Telefonnummer");
        return false;
    }

    //-- val field Firma zero length and special characters
    var Subject = document.getElementById("id_firma");
    if (Subject.value.length == 0 || Subject.value == '<' || Subject.value == '>' || Subject.value == '/' || Subject.value == ':') {
        alert("Bitte geben Sie den Namen Ihrer Firma");
        return false;
    }

    //-- val field Email zero length and special characters
    var Email = document.getElementById("id_email");
    if (Email.value.length == 0 || Email.value == '<' || Email.value == '>' || Email.value == '/' || Email.value == ':') {
        alert("Bitte geben Sie eine legitime E-Mail Adresse");
        return false;
    }

    else {
        return true;
    }
}