Ge
In short
Germanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ge and atomic number 32. It is a brittle, silvery-white metalloid used extensively in electronics.
In plain words
It is a material that sits between a metal and a non-metal. It can conduct electricity better than some materials but not as well as pure metals. This makes it very useful for making high-speed computer parts.
A simple example
A fibre-optic cable uses germanium to help light signals travel through glass wires. It also helps create the transistors found in many specialised electronic devices.
Why it matters
Without germanium, modern high-speed telecommunications and infrared night-vision technology would be much harder to build. It is vital for the global semiconductor industry.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse it with Gallium, which is a metal that melts in your hand.