Exactly. However, laying off people is possible. May cost you, is more complicated and takes more time than you might expect. But German HR departments are well

Exactly. However, laying off people is possible. May cost you, is more complicated and takes more time than you might expect. But German HR departments are well capable of that. In most jobs nowadays, you have probation time, then time-limited contracts (maximum 2 x 1y) and then an unlimited contract. As a result, you can end contracts within the first 6 months, after a year and after two years w/o discussions or problems. That gives everyone enough time to sort out "bad hires" w/o any risk. Afterwards, a certain degree of protection starts, but money and reasonable rationale can end any contract. It is just very different than the US "hire and fire" thing. In Germany and other places it is expected that as an employee I have a certain degree of stability in my life.