Still, the precise wording of the ECB statement on Thursday could provide some vital clues.

We may still get a deal but it may not be thorough enough.

Germany does not need abstract economic ideas; it needs labor market reforms.

I dislike the VAT hike tremendously, I don't think it's necessary.

I dislike the V.A.T. hike tremendously.

Whatever the color of Germany's new government will ultimately be, the pace of structural reforms is likely to be slow.