Using thermodynamic modeling, non-spectral matrix interference from macrocomponents (iron, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, nickel, cobalt) on the intensity of the spectral lines of germanium was studied when it was determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Based on the results of thermodynamic modeling, it was established that in the low-temperature plasma region (4000–6000 K) matrix non-spectral interference from Fe, Cr, Mo, W, Ni and Co is observed, associated with an ionization shift in equilibrium, at a concentration of matrix elements above 20 mg/l. Matrix spectral interference on germanium emission lines has been studied experimentally. It has been established that spectral interference from nickel, chromium, molybdenum, cobalt, tungsten is observed on the Ge I spectral line 206.866 nm, on the Ge I 209.426 nm line from cobalt, on the Ge I 219.871 nm line from tungsten, on the Ge I 209.426, Ge I line 219.871 and Ge I 303.907 nm from molybdenum. If there is no tungsten in the analyzed solution (less than 1 mg/l), the spectral line Ge I 219.871 nm can be used to determine germanium. If the analyzed solution contains tungsten and molybdenum with a concentration of no more than 10 mg/l, it is recommended to use the spectral lines Ge I 265.118 and Ge I 303.907 nm. Since germanium emission lines are not free from spectral overlaps from macrocomponents, experimental study of non-spectral matrix interference is impossible. To reduce detection limits and increase the accuracy of atomic emission with inductively coupled plasma determination of germanium in metallurgical materials, preliminary separation of germanium and matrix components is necessary. © Siberian Federal University. All rights reserved.