The existence form of germanium in coal and the measurement principle of germanium in coal were expounded.In China standard,after coal samples ashing, germanium and benzene fluorenone in dilute acid reacted to orange complex which was that soluble in water,and was a transparent liquid with a suspending agent and a true solution in organic solvent.The colorimetric determination germanium in coal was tested,the corresponding test conditions were studied, several factors influencing the accuracy of the test results were discussed.