Why are German films often so formulaic even though Germany is a European culture? I love them but they follow formula very closely like Hollywood. What are the best German films?

Here is a list of some (by no means all) German movies that are considered Classics (and a few that should be, in my opinion):

Es geschah am helllichten Tag

And many I can't think of at the moment.

Can you share a lesson that you learned later in life and how it has impacted your current lifestyle, mentality, or attitude?

Es war eine rauschende Ballnacht

Besides these, there are some really good children's movies: More recently, the Bibi und Tina series as just one example. Looking back into the 80s and 70s, as well as into the present, I would even say that movies for children are what the German Film industry excels at. There is much less screaming and cake throwing and slimy monsters and much more discussing of matters that affect children in real life (even in phantasy plots) than in most US children's movies as far als I know them. The GDR was particularly well known for excellent children's movies but the west was and is good at it, too.

Metropolis

Why do humans sweat while stressed?

Berlin - Sinfonie einer Großstadt

I have seen some very good German movies. It is not that they don't exist, but they hardly ever achieve much fame. Especially since people have been accustomed to the dominance of US popular culture.

Zur Sache, Schätzchen (and its sequel)

Do you ever feel like you are doing good, but would do better if people hadn’t blamed you or even bothered you? I have gotten lonely, but I always am up to something (creating my destiny).

Didi - alles im Eimer

Nackt

In Wirtschaftswunder times, most Western German movies were junk but the GDR produced some very good ones, e.g. Western movies and Spur der Steine; in the 70s Paul und Paula. I definitely recommend both!

If James Bond is meant to be the best secret agent in the world, how come all the bad guys in the World seem to know who he is?

Die Feuerzangenbowle

Lola rennt

What is of absolutely horrible quality is the “movies” that are produced for TV. They are famously bad.

Why are people of mixed race seen as more attractive than non-mixed-race people?

In jenen Tagen

Das Haus in Montevideo

Man spricht Deutsh

Why does my crush make me jealous about having a girlfriend?