Glad to hear I'm not the only one.
1) I have no idea how we'll receive notification. I would assume through email, but the website isn't exactly explicit. I'm not sure if you receive notification either way or only if you're accepted.
2) I applied to labs in Munich, Hamburg, and Berlin.
3) No German background, but I plan on trying to pick some up if I get accepted.
Let me know what they say when you call. I've also had trouble communicating with them.