You do net get money back from the tax authorities. You get money back from your vendor, once you can show him the export certificate issued by the tax authorities ("Zoll").

If the items are in checked luggage, you will still have to show them to the customs officer. The usual procedure is that you get the luggage tabs and inform the check-in agent that you will need to proceed to the customs office to obtain an export certificate. You take your luggage to the customs office for inspection. This is different from the process for cabin baggage, where there's a customs office after security.
https://www.munich-airport.com/clear...germany-261091

If you use Global Blue or similar companies, they will pay you back and claim the tax from the vendor (minus their fees), so it's up to them. My recollection is that it's local currency only for Global Blue, minus a cash handling fee. If there are compenies that offer US$ in Europe, be prepared to get a bad exchange rate.