Here's why:
* Germinate means to begin to grow or develop, which relates to the concept of a seed sprouting.
* Germ refers to a seed or a beginning stage of growth.
Other words with the root "germ" include:
* Germicide (a substance that kills germs)
* Germ-free (completely clean and free of germs)
* Germinal (relating to the first stage of development)