Yes, a U.S. citizen can easily rent a car in Germany, provided they meet a few basic requirements. You must have a valid U.S. driver's license that has been held for at least one year, and you must be at least 18 years old (though most rental companies require you to be 21 or even 25 for luxury models, often with a "young driver" surcharge). While not strictly required by German law for short-term tourists, it is highly recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP acts as an official translation of your license; while most major rental agencies at airports like Frankfurt or Munich will accept a standard U.S. license, local police may demand an IDP if you are pulled over or involved in an accident. You will also need a major credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit and your passport for identity verification. It is also vital to familiarize yourself with German road rules, such as the "Right of Way" (Vorrang) and the lack of a general speed limit on certain sections of the Autobahn, though "recommended" speeds of 130 km/h are standard.