Yup, this was quite surprising to me having travelled a fair bit but not been to Germany in 10 years or so. "I'm supposed to pay my dinner bill at a fancy restaurant.. in.. cash?"
As a side note, I also use my German EC card abroad. Fees are surprisingly low and it is accepted in more countries than you'd expect.
"I'm supposed to pay my dinner bill at a fancy restaurant.. in.. cash?"
Nor will they - unfortunately - accept reservations in English.