The absorption coefficient of X-rays in germanium was measured for 32 wavelengths in the interval 2.3 Å > λ > 0.3 Å (λ_K = 1.12 Å). A detailed analysis is given, including a comparison with theoretical expressions and a calculation of the oscillator strength for the K-electrons. Agreement between theory and experiment is remarkable. Hydrogen-type wavefunctions give g_K = 1.28 for the dipole oscillator strength. A calculation based on the Thomas–Reiche–Kuhn sum rule and Hartree–Fock type wavefunctions gives g_K = 1.29, while the authors' experimental value is g_K = 1.27± 0.02.