I wonder if there's an issue of fantasy and sci-fi not having the same status in German literature & TV as it has in the UK or US. There isn't much of a German (original) fantasy or sci-fi book market apart from children's literature and imports from the UK or US for example. I'm no expert and just guessing though, maybe someone here knows more about it?
That's also weird, because one of the BEST sci-fi novels in recent times that I've read - was German and translated into English.
And it creeped me the hell out. Amazing. I think it was called The Carpet Makers. Something like that. (seriously. read that book. AMAZING).