The number of deaths and those in critical/severe conditions are better measures than the number of infections. The latter greatly depends on testing policy and availability.

Germany is doing better than most in Europe by the former measures.

South Korea also had a higher infection growth rate since they tested extensively. Because of that they can identify cases and contain the spread.

Agreed, but in the end what will make most difference is getting off of exponential growth soonest. If you don't do that, no country can care for the surge of patients. South Korea is the only country to shut down exponential growth once it got properly started without a complete shutdown of the country.