Yes, you need a desktop environment for Debian.
Yes, you need a desktop environment for Debian.
During installation, the Debian desktop environment is chosen first, followed by Gnome.
Linux removal tips for Debian - tech :: stuff (empirion.co.uk) Xfce guide for Debian. To turn off graphics boot, you can disable sddm/lightdm using systemctl or simply set the login manager. This method is often easier than adjusting targets or config files.