[The cyclist] wants to continue straight ahead. What is the right course of action here?

Your answer to remain behind the cyclist was correct. According to German traffic rules, when a cyclist is traveling straight ahead and you are behind them, you must not overtake immediately if it could be unsafe or if the cyclist has the right to continue straight. Staying behind ensures you give them enough space and do not interfere with their movement or cause a dangerous situation.

Overtaking a cyclist in this scenario could be dangerous, especially in an intersection or where space is limited. The cyclist has the right of way going straight, and you should wait until it is safe and clear before considering overtaking.

In general, always be patient and prioritize the safety of cyclists by waiting behind them when they have the right of way or when conditions are not safe for passing.