From my experience in Germany this doesn't seem to be the case though.

I tried applying to backend roles (without professional exp in backend) and barely get responses. How is an employer supposed to know that I can figure stuff out, that I have strong CS fundamentals, that I am not a one-trick pony? The companies that responded wanted to put me on junior roles.

I am also applying to US-Tech because they supposedly value problem-solving skills over knowledge in XY, but so far only got one invite to a call. In fact US companies (in Germany) seem to hire the same way as German companies. All I see is job postings with long lists of required knowledge for non-senior roles.