The new expression τ3ph−1=g(ω) (BN + BUE−Θ/αT)Tm is proposed for the three-phonon scattering relaxation rate, considering contributions due to three-phonon normal and umklapp processes, which give a new approach to the lattice thermal conductivity. With use of the above expression, the lattice thermal conductivity of Ge has been calculated in the entire temperature range 2–1000 K: good agreement is found between the experimental and calculated values of the phonon conductivity in the entire temperature range of investigation. Analytical expressions are also obtained to calculate an approximate value of the lattice thermal conductivity. The role of four-phonon processes is also included in the present study.