The coffee here in Germany is terrible.

Just so you know, its espresso that they make, but it is awful. Subsequently, we have to settle for instant coffee here at work. If you get the proportions right, it can start to taste like normal, percolated coffee. At the very least, instant coffee is higher in caffeine, but honestly thats a terrible optimism.
At home, we had an Italian espresso machine that my wife had bought when her home was still Italy, but it finally collapsed under the pressure and we couldn't quite fix it. When we went to visit her parents at Easter, we picked up a Moccha from a little shop that her family has an inheritance with. So at least now we have some actual, coffee.
As for how to make good coffee, you just have to experiment with the amount of coffee you use to the amount of water. I find it far easier to perk an entire pot of good tasting coffee than to make one or two cups of the same. If you find it too bitter, try using less. If it tastes burned, use a different bean. It takes some time, but eventually you will arrive at the ultimate Talloola coffee.