We have studied the influence of high repetition rates, up to 300 Hz, on four pulsedp‐type germanium lasers. The maximum electric input power which terminates laser action via heating is a characteristic value for each crystal. We show magnetic field sweeps and introduce a diagram which connects the dynamical behavior of light and heavy holes to optical phonons and impurity states. We find that temperature is an essential key for the understanding of the laser action. High repetition rates or continuous wave operation may be achieved with proper design of the crystal and its cooling environment. ©1995 American Institute of Physics.