Germany's real secret is that they don't pay their engineers.
An engineer, even with a PhD from a world class university, makes around 55k. Even in cities like Munich they will laugh about you if you request 60k.
Sure, if you have tons of experience, industry contacts etc., maybe more SOMETIMES. But let's get back to the 55k. A short internet search (www.nettolohn.de) tells us this is approximately 2600 Euro net pay per month. And this is for a full time job that is likely very stressful and comes with tons of responsibility. An English teacher in China (Shanghai, Beijing) can make 3000 Euro net a month.
Even if you claim my numbers are a bit off. It gives you an idea.