German syndrome is an autosomal recessive arthrogryposis syndrome, described in 5 cases. Three of the four known families with affected children were Ashkenazi Jews. German syndrome is characterized by arthrogryposis, hypotonia-hypokinesia sequence, and lymphedema. Patients present distinct craniofacial appearance (tall forehead and ''carp''-shaped mouth, cleft palate), contractures, severe hypotonia manifesting as motor delay, and swallowing difficulties. The disease has a severe morbidity and mortality rate and survivors present a small stature, hypotonia, frequent upper respiratory infections, and psychomotor delay. There have been no further descriptions in the literature since 1987.

Abnormally diminished motor activity. In contrast to paralysis, hypokinesia is not characterized by a lack of motor strength, but rather by a poverty of movement. The typical habitual movements (e.g., folding the arms, crossing the legs) are reduced in frequency.