To create a 220V outlet in the US all that is needed are two 110 lines.
Question: To produce the opposite, i.e. to create a 110V outlet (using
a US outlet box instead of the Schucko recepticals in Germany for
example) can the incoming 220V line be turned into a 110V line for a
US 110V double plug?  If yes, how can this be accomplished?

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Clarification of Question by gibbonape-ga on 22 Jun 2005 08:08 PDT

What I would like to know is not how to deal with converters but how
to hardwire a U.S. Outlet with 110 output when the incoming
electricity is 220 (Germany)

I would like to know if that is possible and if yes, what is required
to accomplish this.

In Europe this can only be done by 3 methods. 
1.) A transformer which has to be sized acording to the load. It puts
out true sinewave and they are very robust if sized right. Shavers
should have a ~50w transformer, microvave ~ 700W, toaster ~1500 to
2000W etc. An other consideration you must have is in Europe the
frequency is 50Hz compared to 60Hz in North America. Induction motors
run slower on 50 then 60hz. However vacuum cleaner motors for example
which are a brush type univerial motor don't care about Hz.
Radio Shack sells 50W small units good for shavers. Transformers can
be used both ways: 120 in 240 out. 240 in 120 out. A transformer
converter is always heavy.
2.) A electronic converter. These typical come in 1600W.  They put out
some strange wave shapes and can only run certain type of equipment.
This is not a type I recommend, however they are cheap. A electronic
converter is alway light.
3.) Using an inverter which takes DC 12-48V in (typical 12V carbattery
for example) and puts out 120v 60Hzhere are modfied sinewave units
(cheap) and full sinewave output(more expensive) They come in sizes
fom 70W(car cigarette lighter) to 2500W (12v DC) to nearly unlimited
multy KW sizes. In this system you need to charge the batteries with a
charger. This system is complicated but done right works well,
specifically if the demand for US power is limited.

The above information is meant only a simple explanation. Proper
protection like grounding, fusing etc. have to be designed to make
everything safe.
If you would give the exact load (in watts) I can have a more specific
recomendation.
Axel