Shipping an item to Germany from the USA?

Shipping options for a package that size are not going to be cheap from anyone. If the item must be shipped consider limiting the distance that the item has to travel. For example if you deliver the item to the freight departure location and then have someone in Germany to receive the item at the freight destination this will cut the cost of ground transportation to zero. The quote you are getting is probably door to door including the ground shipping cost. Another thing to consider is the "real" value of the item. If it is anything other than of sentimental or historical value then perhaps buying a replacement in Germany would be cheaper.