Germanium is in group 14 of the periodic table, which is also known as the carbon group. This group includes the elements carbon (C), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), lead (Pb), and flerovium (Fl). These elements are all characterized by having four valence electrons in their outermost electron shell, which gives them a tendency to form covalent bonds with other atoms. Group 14 elements are also known for their ability to form semiconductors, which are materials that conduct electricity under certain conditions but not under others.