A comparison "than" sentence

Both versions are correct and mean the same thing.:
1.  There was a greater number of x[plural] in Germany than in Britain.

and:

2.  There was a greater number of x[plural] in Germany than there was in Britain.

In the first sentence, the "there was" is implied by the use of the comparative word "than".

I would also suggest the following:

There were

Both are correct Dana. As with many sentences, the words "there was" may be elided (omitted) for the sake of brevity in either speech or writing. So, "I'm going to Spain for my holidays this year." "I am too". This second sentence leaves out "....going to Spain ...." because it is understood. We can omit words when they are unnecessary.

Both are fine as long as x is a plural noun.

CB

Agreement is with the plural X in the phrase a number of X.
There were a greater number of X's in Germany than (there were) in Britain.
The second there were is optional.
CJ

Thank you all for your replies.
I really appreciate it.

and yet another question, if I may:
Is it correct to say a Judge [at] a certain court (like the European Court) or a Judge [of] the court?

I would use at or in.
CJ

Thank you, that's what I thought.
All the best,

Just out of curiosity, why should it be "were" if the X after the word "number" is plural?
Isn't the word "number" (singular) the subject here?
Thanks again,
Dana