Germanium belonged to trace elements, independent mineral. Its deposits were few, most of the impurities in state existed in other minerals. Germanium use was very wide, as a semiconductor, it was used to manufacture ultra-high speed picosecond electronic computer, making radar, missile and infrared distance meter etc. The article illustrated the determination of germanium in coal significance, the method principle and attention， several factors influencing the accuracy of the test results were compared and it emphasized the importance of carrying out the national standard strictly.