Yeah you know the system’s fucked when even a German is calling it complicated.

It’s easy to explain when I phrase it like this:

• The passport card has the same function as the German national ID card, proving both nationality and identity. It can be used for land travel within North America just like how as a German you can drive to the Netherlands or Poland with only your national ID card and no passport.
• Driving licenses in the US also function as identity documents, but not proof of nationality. It is possible to obtain a non-driving license version that serves only as identification if you don’t drive.
• The passport book is the same across both countries. It is used for travelling abroad and it proves both nationality and identity.