I would certainly not dismiss German carriers, as AB have proven. They also have a very strong European market and EZY and FR have been taking advantage of that.
AB have made the greatest attempt at catching the 'big two' and are doing a very good job with their excellent inflight service and connections but FR and EZY do seem to have that edge, especially EZY who have the likeability factor in the UK and Spain. I don't know about Germany or anywhere else though.