> The language "trouble surviving the winter" plainly suggests massive numbers of Germans freezing to death

You are arguing semantics of specific words people use in informal internet conversations, which is pointless. There is absolutely nothing implying literal meaning of the word "surviving".

I, for example, always assumed that it meant the collapse of German industry, German cozy way of life, and likely German government.

Obviously people won't be actually dying - that would be completely fucking stupid. Worst case scenario they'll just start burning everything they can get their hands on.