Yes they have done very well the last decade especially while carrying the EU on their back. It's hard comparing unemployment statistics between countries, I believe Germany counts people being paid to get reeducation as employed.
I think you will find that most successful private businesses are conservative with their money, so as to weather the business cycle. This is true around the world.

Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats. H. L. Mencken