Infrared optical characteristics such as homogeneity, MTF and veiling glare of single and polycrystalline germanium are compared to reveal the optical difference of single and polycrystal line. MTF and veiling glare of both types show no significant difference for the practical use. The transmittance of small area of polycrystalline germanium plate varies 4 to 5% and the average transmittance is 1.7 to 2.2% less than that of single cristalline. The important factor of selecting germanium for an optical system is transmittance and homogeneity.