This invention relates to a process for making a germanium-zeolite without using fluoride compounds. The zeolite is preferably a MFI-type structure, most preferably a ZSM-5 MFI zeolite. The germanium-zeolite is synthesized essentially in the absence of fluoride compounds from an aqueous gel containing a silica source, a germanium source, an aluminum source and a structure directing agent in the presence of an acid which does not contain fluorine, such as sulfuric acid, acetic acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid hydrochloric acid or formic acid.