Many middle class German folk are like middle class Americans. Not everyone is a great nietzche philosopher capable of bringing untold glory and resolution.
Most laity have not resolved the totalitarian past. But its quite easy, to uphold the positive aspects of German culture and knowledge, against the negatives. For instance, they could make a strong stand against extremist antisemitic Islam (which the fascists by the way helped encourage in the 30s, as a move against England and her empire), and maintain integrity by having a rich artistic culture once again. Like the cosmopolitan yet local German expressionism, romantics, etc. These avant garde movements were the antithesis of totalitarianism and evil bureaucracy.
But Europe is indeed old and crowded. Many left long ago to build neo Europe in America!