I have thought about this day from when I finished my bachelors degree (4 years ago) and worked really hard towards this goal. At that time I was looking at Germany through rose-tinted glasses. Now with more than 10 years of my life behind me in Germany, I think I can see this country (and its surrounding neighbors) clearer for what they are. Hopefully it's the right decision, that once my application is approved, I can end my foreigner's curse (having lived as one for my entire life, even back 'home' in Brunei as a Malaysian). I can change my name legally. I can provide a stable future for my partner, who is also a foreigner.
@Mair Some of the issues that Germany has are also issues that generally the western world has: the slow but sure pendulum swinging back towards right-wing govt's, climate inaction, systematic racism.
Some issues specific with Germany: extreme bureaucracy, slow (and unwillingness for) innovation.
Germany is trying to remedy this though, making things like name changes, citizenship/visa applications easier. It also has good health care system (albeit suffering from skilled labor shortages), passing public infrastructure.