Mn5Ge3 films grown on Ge(1 1 1)-c(2 × 8)

► A Mn5Ge3 film grown on Ge(111) exhibits a 2.2% in-plane compressive strain. ► The Mn5Ge3 film is ferromagnetic (Tc » 325 K). ► The magnetic moment per unit cell is 2.7 at 300 K (7 mB at 13 K). ► The Ge 3d core level of Mn5Ge3 shows a M4-M5V Coster-Kronig transition broadening.