'non-German' originates from the Latin prefix 'non' meaning 'not' combined with 'German', which ultimately comes from Latin 'Germanus' (the name used for the Germanic peoples).

'non-' entered English usage as a productive negative prefix from Latin 'non' (via Old French and Middle English usage), while 'German' entered English via Latin 'Germanus' (and Old French 'Germain') and Middle English; the compound 'non-German' formed in modern English by combining the negative prefix with the noun/adjective 'German'.

Initially the prefix 'non-' simply negated the base term; 'non-German' has retained the straightforward meaning 'not German' since its formation, referring to nationality, origin, language, or cultural belonging.