American considering moving to Germany

Hi Mia,

What have you got to loose, while you're future is at stake with a possible disastrous outcome of some national votes this year?

On a more logical level:

If you are studying, and are getting financed,then a study visa is for you. Moreso, If you're a straight-A student from a renomated school (ie not one where family members throw answers through a window in the final exam), you'll even get financed through a scholarship.
If none of the above, then put on Credence Clearwater Revival's Fortunate One, listen to the words,  roll up your sleeves and prepare for self inflicted  cold self-discipline over the next 5 years.
If the area of studying are in sciences, math, business, breezing through is not accidental,  with a pass rate lower than 20%. Ie Read about the biggest influencing factors here:
http://www2.nau.edu/~facdev-p/TR/Factors.pdf
And of course as outsider/foreigner  you have to work twice as hard anyway for the same recognition.

While Johannes' answer above is fully true, it is aimed mainly at studying in Germany.
Regarding work (which I assume is what you want to do), I can only repeat what has been said on this forum many times:
Without good German language skills and relevant work experience in a specialised sector, your chances of finding a job are low. You may (if you want) get a hard manual labour role like harvest helper or similar in areas where the minimum salary role is not enforced.
And without a job (or being a student), it is almost impossible for a non-EU-citizen to get a visa for staying in Germany.