Intraoperative cytologic examination of intracranial tumors using crush preparation provides useful information in operative decision making. The diminutive nature of many biopsy specimens, particularly those obtained by stereotactic neurosurgical procedures emphasizes the importance of combining the cytologic smear method with conventional frozen section interpretation. The great advantage of the cytologic smear method resides in its suitability for the study of minute fragments of tissue, allowing retention of the majority of the specimen for optimal processing. We present the cytologic features of 3 cases of intracranial germ cell tumors(2 germinomas and 1 endodermal sinus tumor), using crush preparation during intraoperative diagnosis and compare them with histologic findings. The cytologic features of the germ cell tumors were similar to those of the respective gonadal counterparts. The cytologic differential diagnosis of both types of germ cell tumors is described.