The metalloid was one of the elements predicted by Mendeleev in 1871 (ekasilicon) to fill out his periodic table and was discovered in 1886 by Winkler. In a mine near Freiberg, Saxony, a new mineral was found in 1885. First the mineral was called argyrodite but later when Clemens Winkler examined this mineral he discovered that it was similar to antimony. At first he wanted to name it neptunium, but because this name was already taken he named it germanium in honor of his fatherland Germany.

The position of where germanium should be placed on the periodic table was under discussion during the time due to its similarities in arsenic and antimony. Due to Mendeleev's prediction of ekasilicon, germanium's place on the periodic table was confirmed because of the similar properties predicted and similar properties deduced from examining the mineral.