This almost sounds like an outlet without the cover installed?

Outlets next to each other, still without cover: https://www.entscheider.com/elektriker-und-elektroniker/wp-c...

Maybe even like this (seems to be older): https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schuko#/media/Datei:Doppelstec...

Definitely not normal what you describe there. I'm glad you were cautious.