Born in Rome to a Molisan family from Duronia, Province of Campobasso, Germano debuted aged twelve in Castellano e Pipolo's movie "Ci hai rotto papà" (1992). During his studies at scientific lyceum, he received acting training at Teatro Azione in Rome. In 1999, he abandoned an opportunity to work in theatre with Giancarlo Cobelli in order to play in Carlo Vanzina's film "Il cielo in una stanza", which launched Germano as one of the most popular Italian actors. His big break came in 2007, when he was cast as the lead in the successful movies "Fallen Heroes" and "My Brother is an Only Child" by Daniele Luchetti. The following year he first received international recognition by winning the Shooting Stars Award at the 58th Berlin International Film Festival.