Hamilton's hopes of following up his victory at the British Grand Prix last time out with another win at Hockenheim on Sunday were all but ended when he crashed out in qualifying on Saturday.
The Englishman suffered the crash towards the end of the first qualifying session due to a front-right brake disk failure.
Hamilton qualified in 16th, but moved up a place due to a penalty incurred by Esteban Gutierrez at Silverstone, only to move back another five places due to the change of gearbox.
"The guys are working on the car now to repair everything for the race," Mercedes posted on Twitter. "It's going to be a busy morning!"
There was talk that Hamilton may have to start the race from the pit lane after Mercedes opted to change the brake disc manufacturer, but he will instead have to try and work his way through the field from 20th spot.
With team-mate Nico Rosberg starting on pole, the German has a great opportunity to increase his four-point lead at the top of the Formula One drivers' standings on Sunday.