I got a replacement birth certificate online about 15 years ago. As I remember, it was pretty straightforward.
I've had to do it a couple times. Was born I California and went through the county web site to get a new one. Costs @ $60 with overnight shipping. Easy.
I keep my birth certificate under lock and key. I don't even want to know the pain the in the butt it would be to have it sent from Germany.