Germans overall speak poor English, most stick to only German.
left her alone in the car for an hour while they ate in a resteraunt.
This is a "funny" thing which differs a lot depending on country. Were they sitting right by the car eating and their child was sleeping? The safety in some countries, especially concerning kids, is unreal in some European countries and therefore you will see things that was never even possible in US. I've left my kids in the car SLEEPING many times while I was sitting right next to the car having a bit to eat (windows open, door open, etc.), Right next to the car, not 200 feet away. That's fine with me but I'm always careful about kids alone in the car since it can get very hot. Safety is thankfully not an issue here.
If you ever come to Sweden, don't be scared and don't call the police when you see 15 strollers parked outside a restaurant, with kids sleeping in them, while parents grab some food.
Is as normal as getting dressed in the morning and not a safety issue.
Sounds like you will have a grat time in Germany, learn many new things (good and bad
), and get to learn another culture. When are you coming to Scandinavia to drink great alcoholic umbrella drinks and drool over the 55 lbs rf seats?