The inherently law capacity of the classically used carbon-based anode is one of the major drawbacks hindering the wide application of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) in electric vehicles. Carbon replacement with materials possessing high theoretical capacity, such as germanium (Ge) represents one of the approaches used for ensuring wider LIBs' implementation. The main disadvantage of the Ge use is its huge volume change during the lithiation / delithiation, causing Ge-based electrode pulverization, deterioration of the electrochemical properties and resulting in electrode relatively short life. Usage of Ge based nanomaterials is regarded as powerful tool for overcoming the mentioned drawbacks. This paper reviews and discusses the very recent progress in the preparation and studying the Ge nanoparticles (NPs), Ge nanoalloys and Ge-based nanocomposites as attempts for preparation of advanced anodes for LIBs.