Were the Germans really that good?

[Weasel]

I have always wondered if the Germans in WW2 were really that good. Sure they conqured Europe in 40 and a lot of Russia to late 42, but my feeling is that it was only because their opponents were so ill prepared and out dated.

The French had the tanks that were better, but poor employment there of. The UK also felt that tanks should support the grunts.

Russia, well until 43 their tanks by and large were totally outclassed by the earliest German tanks.

However, once 43 rolls around the Allies have their act together and begin to kick butt. In Russia the tank forces and tactics changed, sending the German army into one big long retreat. And in the west it took the allies 10 months from D-Day to beat the Germans, not very long when you think about it.

So basically once the equipment and doctrine were on par, the Germans were totally outclassed and out fought. Thus I feel that they were not the great force that many think they were, but an army that took full advantage of foresight to develop the tactics to beat their outmoded enemy.

Agree/disagree?