1.2  A thorough look at the German economy  Let me now comment on the situation in Germany. Germany-bashing has become a bit of a fashion recently. Some even suspect that we will become another Japan. I take that sort of criticism seriously, and I do see the parallels that lead to such comparisons.
However, I am not the least convinced it is accurate; there are some decisive differences. My country is strong, and so is its economy. Let me explain. Our modern infrastructure excels. Our economy is highly productive.