Around Germany and Greece there were other countries. They went by names like frugal four and PIIGS. They forced "austerity" and stricter working hours onto indebted countries to save their own banks.
The colours on this map show well that northern "productivity" is not about working hours, but about other topics that did not get addressed. Among these topics are also tax heavens (think the Netherlands) and money laundering (think Austria's special relationship with Russia).
So it was nothing more than poor political leadership without vision.
well, what happened is that Greece was forced into a state of austerity that didnt help absolve them of debt and ultimately caused more damage than good. Especially for the working population.
Thats kinda important, regarding Germanys role in "helping" the country.