Germany tests a lot more, and started testing earlier. Italy got overwhelmed, for a very long while only tested suspected people (those that have fairly severe symptoms)

It happened, because it just now hit the German seniors homes. It didn't before. In Germany seniors do live in special homes, seperated from their children. Unlike Italy or Spain.

Also beware that the Italian IFR for the bi-yearly flu peaks is extremely high, 1%. (2014 being much worse than this year with the new flu). The current IFR looks also to be in that ballpark.

From what I've read the lethaliy is higher both because they can't test enough people (meaning that they tend to only test the more severe cases) and also because the hospitals were overwhelmed (meaning they can't provide appropriate treatment for everyone).

Germany also have masses of spare ICU capacity. To the point where they will take so-far-mild cases to hospital at day 5 (the point where you may deteriorate) so they’re ready if they do. Obviously that improves your chances a lot!

Germany's CFR has been steadily rising.