Many in struggling countries across the world envy Germany 's strong economy . Economist Waltraud Schelkle says the ` ` German model '' is not as perfect as it may appear . As to savings : the world was recently surprised by a report of the ECB that showed how little wealth Germans have accumulated if they supposedly save so much . Schelkle : Germany 's beggar - my - neighbor model also hurt the country 's own economy . Germany has the highest proportion of low wage workers in Western Europe .
Many in struggling countries across the world envy Germany 's strong economy . Economist Waltraud Schelkle says the ` ` German model '' is not as perfect as it may appear . Schelkle : Germany 's beggar - my - neighbor model also hurt the country 's own economy . Germany has the highest proportion of low wage workers in Western Europe .