Chris, the last US space crafts which did NOT suffer from continuous fatal (and tragic) system failures were developed by ideologically committed German Nazis. The same is true for the Soviet, now Russian, rockets. And why is it that German doors do really close? Have you ever driven a Chevrolet? Well, then you get the idea. Not that I didn't like to drive the Alfa Giulia. I enjoyed it. But it is better done when the sun shines. The same with my Moto Guzzi California motor bike. No rain please, or the electric wires go in tilt. German things are generally quite solid and realiable. Houses and public spaces are well heated in winter (the doors close). This also explains the cultural difference between Germans ordering cold drinks in pubs and the English warm beer drinking habit.

Germans work less because they can rely on a well functioning infrastructure.

Btw: Alfas are traditionally driven by cops and criminals.

"The USA appears destined by fate to plague America with misery in the name of liberty." Simon Bolivar, Caracas, 1819