The name of the chemical element germanium comes from the Latin word Germania, which means "Germany". Clemens Winkler discovered germanium in Germany in 1886. 

Some interesting facts about germanium:

• Phase at room temperature: Solid
• Appearance: Grayish-white hard solid with a metallic luster
• Group: Group 14 (Carbon Group)

• Semiconductor: Germanium is a semiconductor with electrical properties between those of a metal and an insulator. It has a diamond cubic crystal structure, which contributes to its semiconducting properties. 
• Uses: Germanium is used in many electronic devices, energy storage, telecommunication, solar panels, Mars rovers, automobile headlights, and LCD screens.  Germanium is also used to manufacture rectifiers, transistors and weapons-sighting systems and is used as a fluorescent material.
• Discovery: In 1869: Demitri Mendeleev predicted the existence of element number 32, which he named eka-silicon, after he noticed a gap between silicon and tin in his periodic table.  Germanium was discovered in 1886 by Clemens Winkler and was named after Germany, where it had been discovered. 
• Toxicity: Germanium is not toxic or poisonous to humans, but it can be toxic for certain bacteria. However, artificial compounds such as germanium tetrachloride and germane can irritate the eyes, skin, lungs, and throat. 
• Origin: Germanium is found in the ores germanite and argyrodite, both of which are very rare. 
• Atomic number: Germanium has 32 protons and 32 electrons. The number of neutrons varies according to the isotope. 

Germanium has an unusual ability to absorb and emit infrared light, making it ideal for manufacturing infrared detectors and lenses. Night-vision goggles, thermal imaging cameras, and infrared astronomy all use these components.