Tax refund

Okay, so I also wanted this question answered so I just called the Apple Store in Munich (I would assume it is the same in other large German cities, but again worth giving a call), oh and I spoke with the lady in English:

• They do offer Tax free shopping (they use GlobalBlue service)
• They generally only carry German keyboard configurations (I asked this as I've bought MacBooks in Japan before and they had some higher end models with US keyboards), they occasionally have iPad keyboards in English (I assume US keyboards)

Another tip (and again worth checking by contacting them) if you are looking for a custom configuration is to contact an Apple Reseller and see if they can order you a custom machine and also do the tax free. I used to do this in Hong Kong many years ago before Apple stores existed, where I'd order ahead and then pickup the custom machine (you might have to pay a deposit or even in full ahead).

Worth also pointing out that if you are looking for a different RAM/SSD configuration (but happy with a German keyboard) that Apple Stores often carry higher end configurations in stock, oh and their online stock system shows stocks only above a certain level.

Hope this is helpful (and thanks for prompting me to make the call!).

...my question is related is Apple cooperating with Global Blue.

Then you need to ask Apple or the reseller. We are end users like you, not Apple employees. Apple does not respond to this type of question here.

Apple have a EU office in Ireland:

Apple-owned stores (including the Apple Online Store) do not ship outside their country.

if you are considering buying from a Reseller and having them ship to you, ask them for the paperwork to file for the VAT refund.