Then you choose the wrong account type. EC cards are standard and attached to the account. Obviously, credit cards are separate because you have to pass through Visa, Master Cards or whom ever. Not picking a prepaid credit card is one additional document to fill out. Having a regular income would result in, at least, a credit limit of 2.5k €.
Had that very same experience with Sparkasse, Postbank and my Amazon credit card.
Yes, Germany uses the Maestro cards, not Credit Cards like MasterCard or Visa. Since that's what all the shops + ATMs take, that's the card you want.
No, Germany doesn't use Maestro, it uses Girocard: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girocard
It wasn't even attached to the account, I had to transfer money to it (so, a prepaid card) and couldn't even see the remaining balance (I really tried).
Terrible experience, but they were the only option for me at the time.