You might have to stick with wood. I have not seen any composite siding with the profile that I recognize as German siding. I have worked with a number of composites but none with that profile.

As a traditional-purist type I never thought I would see the day where I would even recommend a composite but that day has arrived. The problem I have with exterior materials today is that the wood isn't holding paint very well at all. It seems that the faster growth wood along with the way the grain is in the final product causes the wood grain to basically lift the paint off. Areas that get hot or a lot of sun tend to "dry out" & the grain starts to peel. Siding used to be cut out of a trunk like cutting a pie which leaves a tight grain. This type of grain holds paint the best but its hard to get & costs plenty.

I tried an epoxy paint on a building with German siding a couple years ago & its actually holding up pretty well. Some folks recommend the Zinser acrylic primer as a must for longer paint life with regular house paints.

Thanks. I also bristled at the thought of a composite siding, but at this point would probably use it if I could find what I wanted. I can't. So, I'm going with wood as I found some good stuff for a great price, that EXACTLY matches our current siding. It has v. small, tight knots. I've been told a bit of putty and primer will hold them. True? They're less than 1/2 inch wide, and maybe 1-2 per 16-ft length. Hope that's true.

As far as the knots go you can spot prime them first, then prime the entire surface. That will give 2 coats over the knots. I have seen some people drill out small knots & fill them with Abatron, a great 2 part putty used in restoration, but thats pretty expensive stuff & might not come in small amounts. Some siliconized acrylic latex caulk will prolly hold em in fine too if they are lose.