At 1-1 in the World Cup qualifier two-thirds into the contest in Cologne, the Group A fixture was in the balance, but then Julian Nagelsmann’s side piled on the pressure and the visitors eventually conceded two quick goals to decide the outcome.
Sunderland’s Hume admitted fatigue and concentration could have been a factor.
“We managed them well, we matched them in running power and we matched them in quality,” said the defender.
“We did what we set out to do which was break up the game, play to our strengths, set-pieces and use that running power, but we maybe ran out of steam and lost a bit of concentration and that’s where they got the goals.
“I thought the first-half was good. Obviously, they scored early, which we didn’t want, but we got ourselves back in the game with a good set-piece.
“We started the second-half well and then their second goal (from Nadiem Amiri) was a bit in between. Do we come get it, do we let it go? Obviously, they punished us, and then the free-kick (from Florian Wirtz), that’s why they’re top level.
“They score goals like that. That killed the game and it was hard to get any momentum from there.”
Trai Hume shakes hands with Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill after the defeat to Germany
While Wirtz’s free-kick was a classy strike, Hume was surprised it was given in the first place.
“I didn’t think it was a free-kick. I said to the referee but, obviously, he was giving some soft decisions during the night, so it was hard to judge. I’d have to watch it back,” said the former Linfield ace.
Assessing the week overall, Hume pointed out: “It’s been a good camp. We got a win in Luxembourg and we are disappointed with the Germany result.
“For us, it’s a game where we didn’t feel like we were out of place over the 90 minutes and we’re disappointed that we came away with nothing.
“That’s a good sign, and we go into the camp next month looking forward to it.”