In reality in Germany the top level tax rate is 45%, which applies on income earning more than about $250k.

Plus a 21% of VAT each time you spent an euro

Germany doesn't have and never had a 21% VAT. Please just google before spreading bullshit

But most Europe has. Replace the value by the local VAT paid in your country and you will be able to pick the idea. In Europe you pay the normal taxes and then you pay "the other" taxes.

Saying that you "only pay X% of your income in taxes" is not the whole picture

10% sales tax in many states, upto 13.5% in some areas.

Vast majority of income is not spent on luxury goods attracting those high rates -- rent/mortgage payments, electricity/fuel, transport, etc

Don't focus in the percentage, is not the important concept here.

Is a luxury to replace the oil in your car? We pay a 21% more.

You can see it from a point of view of privilege and pay less, let say 4%, so you don't care to think about it, but this does not change the problem. The problem is that you are paying 4% more, without receiving anything for it.